WPS.News Exclusive: Maritime Showdown in the West Philippine Sea

Baybay City | February 22, 2025

Tensions have reached a boiling point in the West Philippine Sea following a series of confrontations between the Philippines and China, particularly around the heavily contested Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal from February 21 to 22, 2025. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has raised alarms over aggressive maneuvers by the Chinese navy, which include perilous flight operations near Filipino vessels.

On February 21, the PCG reported seeing multiple heavily armed Chinese coast guard ships operating within 200 nautical miles of the Philippine coast. These actions are said to obstruct Filipino firms from exploring valuable natural resources in the region. The PCG condemned these operations as “aggressive and escalatory,” heightening concerns over maritime safety and the Philippines’ sovereignty amidst ongoing territorial disputes.

Philippine officials have underscored their commitment to defending national waters. A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs emphasized, “We will not back down from defending our territorial waters. The presence of Chinese vessels in our exclusive economic zone constitutes a violation of international law.” However, specific statements concerning the recent incidents were not publicly available, illustrating the gravity of the evolving situation.

In a related move, U.S. and Philippine forces conducted a joint patrol over Scarborough Shoal, signaling a unified front against Chinese assertiveness in these waters. This patrol reinforces the bilateral relationship amid rising maritime challenges in the region.

Meanwhile, tensions escalated as Chinese officials accused the Philippines of “illegally” deploying aircraft in disputed South China Sea airspace. A statement from the Chinese coast guard asserted that Philippine vessels had entered Chinese waters without authorization and warned of possible responses to such incursions, intensifying the unpredictable dynamics between the two nations.

Chinese authorities also directed pointed remarks at U.S. Secretary of State, asserting that support for Taiwan’s independence would provoke firm retaliation. They cautioned that the U.S. should refrain from interfering in what China deems internal matters, particularly regarding the Philippines’ maritime actions. This rhetoric illustrates how the Philippine crisis is intertwined with the broader U.S.-China rivalry.

Weather Update:
During this period, the West Philippine Sea experienced moderate to rough seas, along with sporadic rain showers. These conditions pose additional challenges for maritime operations and increase the risks for vessels operating in these tumultuous waters.

Seismic Activity:
Between February 21 and 22, 2025, minor seismic activity was recorded around the Philippines. Although no significant earthquakes were reported that could affect ongoing maritime tensions, this activity serves as a reminder of the region’s geological volatility, further emphasizing the instability both geologically and geopolitically.

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A Vision for the Sea: The Stealth Runner Initiative

We haven’t discussed the Kraken’s Kiss or the Stealth Runner Project much lately. Unfortunately, it’s not receiving the support I had hoped for, particularly after being inspired by a video of Filipino fisherfolk outsmarting the Chinese Coast Guard around Scarborough Shoal, and the courageous actions of Filipino Marines aboard the Santa Maria at Second Thomas Shoal. Additionally, the concept of a modern version of the Korean Turtle ship sparked my imagination. That’s where I came up with the name Stealth Runner—I chose it because “Blockade Runner” carries criminal connotations.

In the months to come, I will share all the information I’ve gathered for the project, including various motor options. I’ll cover onboard engines, outboard engines, electric motors, batteries, generators, and all the necessary hardware to construct a civilian open-seas patrol boat capable of protecting the crew and functioning like a PT boat from WWII Pacific fame. By the end of 2025, I plan to release boat plans from the 1960s that would serve this purpose. This will be my gift to Filipino fisherfolk. While I can’t build them due to budget constraints, I consider constructing one for WPS News to enhance our reporting on events, though that is still a distant goal.

So, that’s where we now stand. I encourage you to keep reading WPS News for updates on everything related to the West Philippine Sea, Baybay City, and the Philippines as a whole. Thank you for reading, for your support, and for your warm hospitality.