By Alex Rivera
WPS News
September 1, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – The West Philippine Sea remains a flashpoint of regional tension as the Philippines monitors increased Chinese maritime activity near disputed features, while emphasizing its commitment to international law amid warnings from Beijing. Over the past seven days, from August 25 to September 1, 2025, developments have included assurances from Philippine defense officials on troop safety, statements downplaying threats from Vietnam’s activities compared to China’s, and a stern warning from China against alleged provocations. These events underscore the ongoing disputes in the South China Sea, where multiple nations stake claims.

On August 25, 2025, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro stated that no threats have been detected against Philippine troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, despite reports of a heightened Chinese vessel presence in the area. 35 The BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded warship serving as a Philippine outpost since 1999, has been at the center of recent escalations. Philippine officials have noted a surge in Chinese vessels, including a navy tugboat deployed nearby, which the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assessed as defensive in nature but part of broader escalatory actions, such as vessels equipped with upgraded weapons. 32

Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad reiterated that any attempt by China to board or remove the BRP Sierra Madre would cross a “red line,” potentially triggering the invocation of the Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States. “The commander-in-chief mentioned that the death of a Filipino will be grounds for invoking the MDT. This was amplified by the [Armed Forces’] chief of staff. This is now a red line,” Trinidad said. 30 He added that actions to “remove the BRP Sierra Madre” would similarly breach this threshold.

Amid these concerns, the Philippines has maintained its resupply missions to the outpost unchanged, vowing not to yield to pressure. 10 Malacañang has affirmed that China cannot impede the country’s assertion of rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral ruling, which invalidated Beijing’s expansive claims in the region. 32

In a related development, on August 28, 2025, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela addressed Vietnam’s accelerated land reclamation in the Spratly Islands, describing it as a concern but asserting that China poses the greater threat through its aggressive at-sea tactics. 31 Tarriela highlighted Vietnam’s long-standing occupation of features without disturbing Philippine positions since the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. In contrast, he pointed to China’s occupation of Mischief Reef since 1995 and its deployment in Scarborough Shoal since 2012, along with harassment methods like water cannons, lasers, and ramming. 34 “Vietnam has not disturbed Philippine presence on occupied features since then,” Tarriela noted, criticizing narratives that shift focus from China’s “bullying” behavior.

Satellite imagery from the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) indicates Vietnam has expanded reclamation at sites including Alison Reef, Collins Reef, and others since early 2025, potentially surpassing China’s earlier efforts in scale by adding artificial land equivalent to about 70% of Beijing’s by March 2025. 34 Tarriela’s comments came in response to a retired military officer’s emphasis on Vietnam, which he suggested might align with Chinese propaganda. A recent investigation revealed a coordinated online campaign using bot accounts to divert attention from China to Vietnam, raising national security concerns. 34

Adding to the diplomatic friction, China’s Ministry of National Defense issued a warning to the Philippines for “hyping up” incidents in Ayungin Shoal, claiming Philippine boats approached Chinese vessels in an “unprofessional and dangerous manner.” Spokesperson Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang stated that the Philippines must cease provocations or “bear all resulting consequences,” reaffirming China’s territorial claims over the area. 32

Beyond bilateral tensions, regional cooperation has been evident. Philippine, Australian, and Canadian navies conducted joint drills in the West Philippine Sea, signaling strengthened alliances amid the disputes. 17 Australian and Philippine defense chiefs met to discuss upholding a rules-based order in the region. 15 Additionally, on August 30, 2025, a seminar-workshop on the West Philippine Sea was held for social studies teachers in the National Capital Region, aimed at raising awareness. 6 Fundraising events for the area’s guardians have also taken place, reflecting domestic support for sovereignty efforts. 9

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson expressed concerns over the disputes, highlighting international interest in the stability of the vital waterway. 3 Analysts note that these developments occur against a backdrop of broader geopolitical shifts, including calls for the Philippines to rejoin the International Criminal Court amid escalating tensions. 19

As the Philippines continues to assert its sovereign rights, experts warn that without de-escalation, the risk of miscalculation remains high in this resource-rich and strategically important sea.

References

South China Morning Post. (2025, August 27). Philippines warns China not to cross ‘red line’ over grounded warship. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3323393/philippines-warns-china-not-cross-red-line-over-grounded-warship-south-china-sea

Maritime Fairtrade. (2025, September 1). Vietnam ramps up Spratlys reclamation, but Philippines says China still bigger threat. https://maritimefairtrade.org/vietnam-ramps-up-spratlys-reclamation-but-philippines-says-china-still-bigger-threat/

GMA News Online. (2025, August 28). China warns PH of consequences for ‘hyping up’ incidents in Ayungin Shoal. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/957369/china-warns-ph-of-consequences-for-hyping-up-incidents-in-ayungin-shoal/story/

Philstar.com. (2025, August 29). Vietnam not real threat in West Philippine Sea, says Tarriela. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/08/29/2468974/vietnam-not-real-threat-west-philippine-sea-says-tarriela

Inquirer.net. (2025, August 25). West PH Sea: No threats to Filipino troops ‘at this time’ – Teodoro. https://www.inquirer.net/west-philippine-sea/

Reddit. (2025, September 1). The Philippines will not alter its resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal despite a reported increase in Chinese vessel activities. https://www.reddit.com/r/newsPH/comments/1n5gwk0/the_philippines_will_not_alter_its_resupply/

YouTube. (2025, August 30). US ambassador MaryKay Carlson weighs in on China, concern on West PH Sea dispute. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I262TDKLzoY

YouTube. (2025, August 27). Australian and Philippine defence chiefs meet as disputes simmer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3kgqoiWOUE

Rappler. (2025, August 28). West Philippine Sea. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/n12603309-west-sea/

Facebook. (2025, August 28). West Philippine Sea News. https://www.facebook.com/westphseatransparencyoffice/

Facebook. (2025, August 28). National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea. https://www.facebook.com/NYMWPS/posts/1181534317143513/

YouTube. (2025, August 28). Diokno Pushes Philippines to Rejoin ICC Amid Escalating South China Sea Tensions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFblIT1Wygw

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