West Philippine Sea: 19–25 January 2026 Weekly Situation Summary

By Cliff Potts, CSO, and Editor-in-Chief of WPS News

Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines — January 25, 2026

Reporting

Maritime and Aerial Assertions

From January 19 through January 25, 2026, Chinese maritime and aviation authorities continued routine assertions of jurisdiction near features in the West Philippine Sea, including Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal. Public Chinese statements claimed that a Philippine government aircraft was warned away from the area. Philippine authorities did not acknowledge any violation of international law and maintained that Philippine operations remained lawful and within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

Philippine Government Responses

During the reporting period, the Philippine Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the National Security Council issued statements rejecting Chinese accusations of provocation. These statements reaffirmed the Philippines’ position that its activities in the West Philippine Sea are defensive in nature and grounded in international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Energy Infrastructure Monitoring

Philippine authorities reported increased monitoring and security measures around the Malampaya gas field and adjacent offshore infrastructure following confirmation of additional natural gas deposits within the Philippine exclusive economic zone. Officials characterized these measures as continuity of protection for critical energy assets rather than as responses to a new operational threat.

Maritime Safety and Humanitarian Incident

A cargo vessel capsized near Scarborough Shoal during the period, resulting in fatalities and missing crew members. Search and rescue operations involved coordination between Philippine and Chinese maritime authorities. Survivors and recovered remains were later transferred to Philippine custody. The incident highlighted ongoing safety risks for civilian vessels operating in contested waters.

Analysis

Operating Environment

Events during the week reflected the continuation of an established operating environment defined by sustained, normalized coercive maritime presence rather than any change in phase or posture. No new basing decisions, joint patrol announcements, or alterations to rules of engagement were reported.

Diplomatic and Legal Continuity

Chinese statements during the period functioned as rhetorical reinforcement of long-standing claims. Philippine responses remained focused on legal positioning, transparency, and adherence to international law, consistent with Manila’s long-standing approach to the West Philippine Sea.

Resource Security Implications

The emphasis on protecting offshore energy infrastructure underscored the enduring link between maritime pressure and resource security. Energy assets remain strategically significant under conditions of ongoing coercive presence.

Uncertainty and Verification

Claims regarding aerial and maritime warnings were publicly asserted by Chinese authorities and were not independently verified at the time of publication. Philippine government statements were drawn from publicly released communications. Reporting will be updated if additional verified information becomes available.

References

Associated Press. (2026, January 19). Philippines discovers new gas deposit near disputed waters.
Reuters. (2026, January 20). China says it warned off Philippine aircraft over disputed shoal.
Reuters. (2026, January 22). Philippines insists South China Sea code be based on international law.
ABS-CBN News. (2026, January 25). AFP strengthens Malampaya monitoring amid West Philippine Sea pressure.
Philippine Daily Tribune. (2026, January 25). NSC rejects Chinese statements on West Philippine Sea.