By Cliff Potts, WPS.News

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — July 26, 2025 — From July 20 to July 26, 2025, the situation in the West Philippine Sea escalated again—this time with coral destruction, American tariffs, and renewed military overtures fueling the flames.

Philippine officials confirmed this week that Chinese militia vessel 16838, which ran aground off Pag‑asa Reef, dragged a parachute-style anchor that devastated an estimated 307 square meters of coral reef, causing over ₱11.1 million in damage. Scientists say the anchor continues to block sunlight underwater, threatening long-term ecological collapse if not removed.

This event—only recently publicized—marks a troubling escalation of China’s maritime belligerence in the region. Philippine environmental law experts are now urging prosecution under Republic Act 10654, the country’s Fisheries Code.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Co-may pummeled Luzon and Palawan, complicating Philippine patrols and displacing nearly 278,000 people nationwide. Despite these setbacks, the BRP Teresa Magbanua remained active in monitoring Chinese vessels near contested zones, including Scarborough and Ayungin Shoals.

Adding to the geopolitical drama, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. traveled to Washington, D.C., where he met with President Trump and trade advisors. In a widely watched announcement, Trump imposed a 19% tariff on Philippine exports, to take effect in early August. In exchange, select U.S. products will enter the Philippine market tariff-free—an asymmetric deal that raises questions about sovereignty, dependency, and leverage in the region.

Yet the visit had a silver lining: The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, and pledged expanded logistics support in northern Luzon and Palawan—explicitly aimed at deterring Chinese aggression in Philippine waters.

This renewed military alliance comes just weeks after China attempted to block the screening of Food Delivery: Fresh From the West Philippine Seas, a documentary on maritime rights and resource exploitation. The Philippine government decried Beijing’s interference as a blatant attack on free speech.

Even as Manila navigates typhoons—natural and political—the Philippine Coast Guard continues daily patrols while local and international environmentalists call for reparations and accountability. Defense officials warned this week that further coral damage or incursions will result in legal escalation—potentially taking China back to international arbitration, where it lost in 2016.

The battle for the West Philippine Sea is no longer just about territory—it’s now about environmental sovereignty, economic coercion, and political resilience. And the storm is far from over.

Citations (APA):
Chi, C. (2025, July 14). Chinese vessel causes ₱11.1M coral damage at Pag‑asa Reef – researchers. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China–Philippines_relations
Reuters. (2025, July 21–22). Philippines’ Marcos to meet Trump; US sets 19% tariff. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com
AP News. (2025, July 24). Tropical storm displaces 278,000 in Philippines. AP News. https://apnews.com
Dumalag, G. (2025, July 5). China hit for trying to block WPS documentary. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Territorial_disputes_in_the_South_China_Sea

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