Tensions Persist in West Philippine Sea

AFP Signals Increased Operations for 2026

By WPS News Staff
Manila, Philippines – January 7, 2026

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has reaffirmed its commitment to ramping up operations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid expectations of continued Chinese maritime presence and activities throughout 2026. No major confrontations were reported between January 4 and January 7, but military officials emphasized heightened vigilance, expanded defense diplomacy, and modernization efforts to safeguard Philippine sovereign rights in the contested waters.

Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the AFP spokesperson for the WPS, stated during a press briefing that Chinese activities — including integrated operations by the People’s Liberation Army Navy, Chinese Coast Guard, and maritime militia — are projected to persist and evolve in the coming year. “If we look at the trend from 2024 to 2025, the actions of the PLA (People’s Liberation Army) Navy, Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia is toward the integration of their respective forces. We expect this trend to continue. Not only in the sea, but even air. There have been reports of joint patrols to include Air Force bombers, PLA Air Force. This will continue in 2026,” Trinidad said (Philippine Star, 2026).

He added, “Likewise, the AFP, more than ever, we are up to the challenge. We are ready for any eventuality given our current capabilities, not only ourselves, but in conjunction with like-minded nations” (Philippine Star, 2026). Trinidad highlighted plans to sustain and boost operations through modernization, capacity building, maritime domain awareness, and closer cooperation with allies.

The AFP is eyeing more bilateral and multilateral maritime cooperative activities (MCAs) in 2026, building on previous years’ engagements. Officials noted that enhanced defense diplomacy, including additional Status of Visiting Forces Agreements (now five with the US, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Canada, with more forthcoming), will strengthen the Philippines’ response to potential threats (Philippine Star, 2026; Manila Times, 2026).

Public awareness remains high, with a recent Pulse Asia survey commissioned by Stratbase (conducted December 12–15, 2025) showing strong Filipino support for working with allies. At least 82% of respondents trust the United States to help protect national interests in the WPS, followed by Japan (64%), Canada (58%), and Australia (51%). Respondents were allowed to select up to five partners, reflecting overwhelming confidence in like-minded nations that uphold international law and a rules-based order (Philippine Star, 2026; GMA News, 2026).

In cultural and morale-boosting initiatives, singer and army reservist Ronnie Liang headlined an AFP music video for the song Kanluran, which addresses the protection of the country’s resources, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (ABS-CBN Entertainment, 2026; Inquirer.net, 2026).

While no new incidents like water cannon attacks or vessel confrontations occurred in the specified timeframe, ongoing concerns persist over China’s illegal presence in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, as highlighted in military briefings. The AFP continues to prioritize transparency, international law, and the 2016 Arbitral Award in its approach.

As Rear Admiral Trinidad put it, Philippine forces remain “nakaantabay” (on standby) to defend national interests in these vital waters, with the AFP vowing to integrate forces more effectively against potential threats (Philippine Star, 2026).

References
ABS-CBN Entertainment. (2026, January 7). Ronnie Liang featured in armed forces’ video for ‘Kanluran’. https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/1/7/ronnie-liang-featured-in-armed-forces-video-for-kanluran-1159

GMA News. (2026, January 5). 82% of Filipinos trust US to help PH protect nat’l interests. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/971662/82-of-filipinos-trust-us-to-help-ph-protect-nat-l-interests/story/

Inquirer.net. (2026, January 7). Ronnie Liang headlines AFP’s music video on West Philippine Sea. https://entertainment.inquirer.net/646764/ronnie-liang-headlines-afps-music-video-on-west-philippine-sea

Manila Times. (2026, January 7). PH to hold more naval drills in 2026. https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/01/07/news/national/ph-to-hold-more-naval-drills-in-2026/2253956

Philippine Star. (2026, January 7). AFP to increase West Philippine Sea operations. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/01/07/2499289/afp-increase-west-philippine-sea-operations