Philippines Bolsters Defenses in West Philippine Sea Amid Ongoing Chinese Presence

Manila, Philippines – June 30, 2025 – The West Philippine Sea (WPS) remains a contentious arena as the Philippines navigates persistent challenges from China’s maritime activities. Over the past 24 hours, diplomatic and military developments highlight Manila’s efforts to assert its sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), despite the long-standing presence of Chinese vessels since disputes intensified in 2013.

Philippines and Lithuania Sign Defense Agreement

On June 30, 2025, the Philippines strengthened its international alliances by signing a defense cooperation agreement with Lithuania. This pact aims to enhance maritime security and defense capabilities, reflecting Manila’s strategy to counterbalance China’s actions in the WPS through global partnerships. The agreement underscores the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based international order amid ongoing regional tensions (Inquirer.net, 2025).

Chinese Vessels Persist in Philippine Waters

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported continued monitoring of over 50 Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels near Rozul Reef, within the Philippines’ EEZ. Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson, reiterated the government’s reliance on legal frameworks, including the 2016 Arbitral Award, which rejected China’s expansive South China Sea claims. The PCG maintains regular patrols and surveillance to document Chinese activities, though direct confrontation remains avoided to prevent escalation (Manila Times, 2025).

Regional Alliances and Joint Exercises

Recent joint coast guard exercises with the United States and Japan, concluded last week off Kagoshima, signal the Philippines’ alignment with allies to deter Chinese assertiveness. The drills, involving the PCG’s BRP Teresa Magbanua, emphasize “minilateral” cooperation to address Beijing’s control over areas like Scarborough Shoal, which lies within Manila’s EEZ but has been occupied by China since 2012. Analysts view these efforts as a pragmatic response to the regional power imbalance (Inquirer.net, 2025).

Domestic Political Tensions

The WPS issue continues to fuel domestic debates. Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent critiques of the Marcos administration’s approach have sparked controversy, with House leaders like Rep. Toby Tiangco questioning her silence on the 2016 arbitral ruling. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has emphasized a firm yet cautious stance, prioritizing diplomacy and alliances while avoiding direct military engagement with China’s formidable navy (Philstar.com, 2025; GMA News Online, 2025).

A Persistent Standoff

The Philippines faces a complex challenge in the WPS, balancing assertive diplomacy with the reality of China’s naval dominance. While international partnerships and legal victories provide leverage, the lack of direct action against Chinese vessels reflects the broader regional hesitance to confront Beijing militarily. As Manila strengthens its defenses and alliances, the WPS remains a flashpoint where strategic patience and international cooperation are tested against ongoing Chinese presence.

References

Inquirer.net. (2025, June 30). Philippines, Lithuania sign defense pact amid West PH Sea challenges. Retrieved from https://www.inquirer.net

Manila Times. (2025, June 19). 50 Chinese ships swarm in PH waters. Retrieved from https://www.manilatimes.net

Philstar.com. (2025, June 26). ‘Not pro-China’? House leaders say VP Sara’s silence on West Philippine Sea tells a different story. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com

GMA News Online. (2025, June 24). Marcos believes Dutertes are pro-China, expected Sara’s criticism on WPS —Palace. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com

Inquirer.net. (2025, June 25). West PH Sea: Recent US-PH-Japan sea drills viewed as ‘counter-China’ effort. Retrieved from https://www.inquirer.net