Manila, Philippines – Over the past 24 hours, the West Philippine Sea (WPS), part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), has witnessed ongoing confrontations involving Chinese vessels, underscoring the persistent maritime disputes with China. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported fresh incidents of harassment targeting Filipino fisherfolk and patrol vessels, further complicating the Philippines’ efforts to assert its sovereign rights in the region.

According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson on WPS issues, Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels shadowed and obstructed Philippine supply boats near Scarborough Shoal on June 30, 2025, at approximately 10:00 AM PhST. The PCG documented at least two instances where Chinese ships maneuvered dangerously close to Filipino vessels, disrupting routine patrols and supply missions to local fishermen. No injuries were reported, but the incidents caused delays and heightened concerns among the crew. Tarriela emphasized that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the PCG to maintain a robust presence in the WPS while pursuing peaceful dialogue to de-escalate conflicts (piawesmin, 2025).

The Philippines has consistently condemned China’s actions, citing the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that invalidated Beijing’s expansive claims in the South China Sea. Despite this, China continues to deploy large fleets, including fishing vessels suspected to operate under paramilitary direction, to assert dominance and extract marine resources from the WPS (IsabellaAn67, 2025). These activities have inflicted significant environmental damage, with reports of illegal sand extraction from Philippine coasts to support China’s island-building efforts (BRPSierraMadre, 2025).

In response, the Philippine government has intensified efforts to bolster maritime security. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recently showcased advanced defense capabilities, including the commissioning of the BRP Miguel Malvar, a guided-missile frigate, on May 2025. The AFP is also accelerating plans to acquire submarines to counter China’s incursions (Indo-Pacific Defense FORUM, 2025). President Marcos Jr. reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to defending its sovereign rights while avoiding escalation, stating, “We will not engage in reprisals, but we will protect our waters” (Marcos, as cited in De Leon, 2024).

Local leaders and advocacy groups have called for greater public awareness and international support. House Speaker Martin Romualdez condemned China’s actions, urging Filipinos to support candidates in the 2025 midterm elections who prioritize WPS sovereignty (Manila Bulletin, 2025). The Atin Ito coalition proposed integrating WPS issues into the national education curriculum to foster a deeper understanding of the dispute among younger generations (Manila Bulletin, 2025).

As the Philippines navigates these challenges, the international community continues to monitor the situation. Recent U.S.-Philippine-Japan joint sea drills were described as a strategic response to China’s aggression, signaling strengthened alliances to uphold international law (GordianKnotRay, 2025). While diplomatic channels remain open, the recurring incidents highlight the need for a unified approach to safeguard Philippine interests in the WPS.

References
De Leon, D. (2024, May 6). Marcos says Philippines will not use water cannon vs Chinese ships. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-rejects-proposal-use-water-cannon-against-china-west-sea/
Indo-Pacific Defense FORUM. (2025). West Philippine Sea (WPS). IP Defense Forum. https://ipdefenseforum.com
IsabellaAn67. (2025, June 30). China has deployed large fleets of fishing vessels [Post]. X. https://t.co/undefined
Manila Bulletin. (2025, February 22). PCG, hinikayat publikong bumoto ng mga kandidatong titindig para sa WPS. Balita. https://balita.mb.com.ph
piawesmin. (2025, June 30). Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson on the West Philippine Sea [Post]. X. https://t.co/ovedPjmsYq
BRPSierraMadre. (2025, June 24). What China’s building with our sand [Post]. X. https://t.co/KOlu0DyIXZ
GordianKnotRay. (2025, June 25). West Philippine Sea: Recent US-Philippine-Japan sea drills [Post]. X. https://t.co/undefined

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