Tension without Tranquilizers: WPS (February 27-28, 2025).

MANILA, Philippines — Tensions in the West Philippine Sea have escalated over the past two days, drawing attention to the ongoing maritime disputes and the Philippine government’s efforts to assert its sovereignty. A series of significant events unfolded amid the backdrop of political dialogues and military maneuverings.

On February 27, 2025, at the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Penang, Malaysia, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. urged ASEAN member nations to unite against external violations in the South China Sea, highlighting critical threats to regional stability. Teodoro’s plea called attention to the necessity for a cohesive response from ASEAN, echoing a sentiment expressed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that “silence in the face of violations diminishes ASEAN.” He warned that the ongoing infringements on Philippine sovereignty are not just a local matter but a “global issue” that requires serious attention from all member states.

During his remarks, Teodoro emphasized the need for improved operational cooperation within ASEAN, including joint patrols and information sharing, to counter coercive actions from external powers. Although he did not explicitly name China, his statements resonated deeply against the backdrop of recent confrontations.

Later that same day, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confronted a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel off the coast of Zambales. The BRP Teresa Magbanua issued a radio challenge to the CCG ship 3301, asserting the Philippines’ legal authority over its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This incident reflects the ongoing tensions and the PCG’s commitment to protecting Philippine maritime rights. As reported, the BRP Teresa Magbanua had been monitoring the area for over a week, signaling the Philippines’ determination to address illegal incursions amid challenging sea conditions.

On February 28, Senator Francis Tolentino spoke about the need for international ratification of vital laws designed to protect the West Philippine Sea. In a press conference, he highlighted the approval of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act by President Marcos. Tolentino underscored that the implementation of these laws would take time, as they must first be submitted for international review, including discussions at the United Nations. He reassured the public that once these laws are ratified, aggressive actions by foreign entities in the West Philippine Sea could face legal repercussions, potentially enhancing security for local fisherfolk.

The developments come in light of increasing aggressiveness in the region, including reported incidents involving Chinese vessels and a recent encounter where a Chinese military helicopter came alarmingly close to a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources patrol plane.

These events highlight the complexities faced by the Philippines as it seeks to maintain sovereignty over its maritime territories amidst rising tensions with China. As the political and military landscape continues to unfold, the Philippines remains committed to a diplomatic resolution grounded in international law while asserting its rights over the West Philippine Sea.

In the face of these challenges, the Philippines under Marcos Jr. is focusing on diplomatic channels, military readiness, and regional cooperation to navigate the complexities of its maritime disputes.

As of the latest reports, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not indicated any intention to use military force in response to incidents involving Chinese patrol vessels, including the tragic drowning of three fishermen in January. Instead, Marcos has emphasized a commitment to diplomatic solutions and maintaining maritime patrols to uphold Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

Marcos has communicated that while the Philippines does not have the capability to forcibly remove Chinese vessels from the area, it continues to conduct maritime patrols to ensure the safety of Filipino fishermen and protect national interests. The government’s current strategy seems to focus on asserting legal rights through diplomatic channels, leveraging international support, and actively engaging with regional allies to address ongoing maritime tensions without escalating to military conflict.

Furthermore, government officials, including Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., have stressed that the Philippine response should prioritize multilateral cooperation and adherence to international law, especially regarding issues in the South China Sea. The situation remains delicate, and any potential military action would likely be weighed carefully against the risks of escalating tensions in the region.

Sources:

1. Cabato, Luisa. “West Philippine Sea: Marcos Unfazed by China’s Demand to Remove US Typhon Missiles.” INQUIRER.net, 27 Feb. 2025, http://www.inquirer.net/430524/west-ph-sea-marcos-unfazed-by-chinas-demand-to-remove-us-typhon-missiles/#ixzz91YFcmDWF.
2. Mendoza, John Eric. “PCG Confronts China Coast Guard on Illegal Patrol off Zambales.” INQUIRER.net, 27 Feb. 2025, http://www.inquirer.net/430564/pcg-confronts-china-coast-guard-on-illegal-patrol-off-zambales/#ixzz91YG6dnUh.
3. Mendoza, John Eric. “Teodoro Laments ASEAN’s ‘Absence of Unanimity on Key Issues’.” INQUIRER.net, 27 Feb. 2025, http://www.inquirer.net/430563/teodoro-laments-aseans-absence-of-unanimity-on-key-issues/#ixzz91YFqdA1T.
4. Lalu, Gabriel Pabico. “Tolentino: Laws Securing WPS Have to Be Ratified Internationally.” INQUIRER.net, 28 Feb. 2025, http://www.inquirer.net/430663/tolentino-laws-securing-wps-have-to-be-ratified-internationally/#ixzz91YH70IM6.
5. Corrales, Nestor. “Teodoro Urges ASEAN to Unite vs SCS ‘Violations’.” Philippine Daily Inquirer, 28 Feb. 2025, globalnation.inquirer.net/265393/teodoro-urges-asean-to-unite-vs-scs-violations#ixzz91YGYqqaW.
6. Lalu, Gabriel Pabico. “Tolentino: Laws Securing WPS Have to Be Ratified Internationally.” INQUIRER.net, 28 Feb. 2025, http://www.inquirer.net/430663/tolentino-laws-securing-wps-have-to-be-ratified-internationally/#ixzz91YH70IM6.