Tensions and Patrols Intensify in the West Philippine Sea

Manila, Philippines — The West Philippine Sea, a critical maritime region within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, has seen heightened activity over the past week, underscoring ongoing tensions with China and the Philippines’ resolve to assert its sovereignty. From June 2 to June 8, 2025, a series of maritime patrols, infrastructure developments, and incidents involving Chinese vessels have dominated the region’s narrative.

On June 2, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully drove away a China Coast Guard (CCG) patrol ship off the coast of Zambales, reinforcing Manila’s commitment to protecting its waters (Philippine Star, 2025). Two days later, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) completed a runway extension on Pag-asa Island, the largest Philippine-controlled feature in the Spratly Islands, enhancing logistical capabilities in the disputed area (Philippine Star, 2025). This move aligns with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro’s dismissal of Chinese propaganda at an international defense forum, where he criticized Beijing’s “deficit of trust” in South China Sea dialogues (Philippine Star, 2025).

Maritime patrols intensified as the AFP conducted operations on Likas Island, the second-largest in the Kalayaan Island Group, on June 6, signaling a robust assertion of sovereignty ahead of the 127th Philippine Independence Day (Philippine Star, 2025). Concurrently, the Philippines and the United States held their seventh joint maritime activity in the region on June 5, involving vessels like the USS Savannah and BRP Ramon Alcaraz, aimed at countering Chinese influence through multilateral cooperation (Manila Bulletin, 2025).

A notable incident occurred on June 7 when a Chinese vessel ran aground near Pag-asa Island amid inclement weather, alarming local fisherfolk. The PCG monitored the situation closely, reflecting ongoing concerns about Chinese presence in the area (Manila Bulletin, 2025). Additionally, authorities reported the discovery of 21 packs of suspected shabu floating in the West Philippine Sea off Pangasinan, raising questions about illicit activities in the region’s waters (Manila Bulletin, 2025).

These events follow a pattern of escalating encounters, with the Philippines bolstering its maritime presence through patrols and international partnerships. The completion of infrastructure on Pag-asa Island and joint exercises with allies like the U.S. signal Manila’s strategy to deter Chinese aggression while upholding the 2016 arbitral ruling affirming its maritime rights (Inquirer.net, 2025). As tensions persist, the Philippines continues to navigate a delicate balance of diplomacy and defense in the contested waters.

References

Inquirer.net. (2025, May 29). West Philippine Sea. https://www.inquirer.net

Manila Bulletin. (2025, June 5). PH, US hold seventh joint maritime activity in WPS. https://t.co/fSyqlVmERv

Manila Bulletin. (2025, June 8). Chinese vessel runs aground near Pag-asa Island. https://t.co/wLGdl7NUUC

Manila Bulletin. (2025, June 7). West Philippine Sea in Pangasinan yields more floating shabu. https://mb.com.ph

Philippine Star. (2025, June 2). China Coast Guard ship driven away off Zambales. https://t.co/TYu6rQIidN

Philippine Star. (2025, June 4). Runway extension on Pag-asa Island completed. https://t.co/4G5GUSxlU8

Philippine Star. (2025, June 4). Teodoro dismisses Chinese propaganda at defense forum. https://t.co/skivExv3Dk

Philippine Star. (2025, June 6). Philippine Army conducts patrols on Likas Island. https://t.co/51nZIlAQfP