West Philippine Sea Update

Tensions Escalate in West Philippine Sea as Chinese Vessels Swarm Rozul Reef

Manila, Philippines — Over the past 24 hours, the West Philippine Sea has witnessed heightened tensions as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported the presence of over 50 Chinese maritime militia vessels swarming Rozul (Iroquois) Reef, located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The PCG, alongside the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), successfully conducted operations to install floating aggregate devices (FADs) to boost fish catch in the Spratly Islands, despite interference from four China Coast Guard (CCG) ships (Philippine Star, 2025).

The PCG deployed two vessels and an aircraft to challenge the Chinese vessels via radio, asserting the Philippines’ rights within its EEZ. Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea operations, noted that none of the Chinese ships responded to the challenges (ABS-CBN News, 2025). Additionally, a drone, suspected to be from the CCG, was spotted during the operation, further escalating concerns over China’s aggressive maritime activities (TV Patrol, 2025).

These incidents follow a pattern of confrontations in the region, where China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, overlapping with the Philippines’ EEZ. The Philippines has consistently asserted its sovereign rights, backed by the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, which invalidated China’s expansive claims. Despite the ruling, China’s maritime militia and coast guard vessels continue to patrol and challenge Philippine operations, raising fears of a potential miscalculation that could draw in allies like the United States, bound by a mutual defense treaty (Reuters, 2025).

The successful installation of FADs underscores the Philippines’ commitment to supporting local fishermen and ensuring food security. “The PCG and BFAR remain steadfast in safeguarding our people’s livelihoods and upholding our sovereign rights,” the PCG stated (GMA News, 2025). However, the growing presence of Chinese vessels signals Beijing’s intent to normalize its control over disputed areas, prompting calls for stronger international support to uphold a rules-based maritime order.

As tensions persist, the Philippines continues to navigate a delicate balance between asserting its rights and avoiding open conflict in the West Philippine Sea.

References
ABS-CBN News. (2025, June 19). PCG challenges Chinese vessels in WPS.
GMA News. (2025, June 18). Dangerous maneuvers by CCG in WPS.
Philippine Star. (2025, June 19). CCG tries to block PH FAD installation.
Reuters. (2025, May 29). Philippines asserts rights in South China Sea.
TV Patrol. (2025, June 19). Chinese drone spotted in WPS.