By WPS News Staff Reporters

MANILA — The West Philippine Sea saw routine multinational naval activities from November 15–21, 2025, with no reported incidents of water-cannoning, ramming, or blocking—continuing a pattern of managed competition that has persisted since 2013.

The centerpiece was a two-day multilateral maritime exercise on November 14–15 near Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc). The U.S. Navy’s USS Nimitz (CVN-68) Carrier Strike Group operated alongside the Philippine Navy frigate BRP José Rizal (FF-150) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels in drills focused on communications, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime domain awareness (U.S. Naval Institute News, 2025). Nine warships participated in what the U.S. 7th Fleet described as a “routine” interoperability event.

China’s foreign ministry called the activity “provocative,” but Chinese coast guard and militia vessels maintained distance and did not interfere (Military.com, 2025). Philippine Coast Guard escorts continued regular supply runs to fishermen inside the shoal without obstruction during the period.

Elsewhere, the forward-deployed carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) conducted flight operations and replenishment in the Philippine Sea, maintaining standard presence missions (U.S. Naval Institute News, 2025).

Philippine military spokespersons reported typical Chinese shadowing of allied units but no aggressive actions. Resupply missions to Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal) proceeded under existing arrangements with no delays noted this week.

Fishermen from Zambales reported better access to traditional grounds when allied warships were nearby, a recurring benefit during multinational patrols.

As the Nimitz strike group departs for other commitments and George Washington remains on station, the West Philippine Sea returns to its long-standing rhythm of presence operations and monitored standoff.

References
Military.com. (2025, November 17). China accuses regional patrol in Philippines of ‘escalating tensions’. https://www.military.com/daily-news/headlines/2025/11/17/china-warns-us-carrier-washington-says-allied-patrol-was-safe-and-routine.html

U.S. Naval Institute News. (2025, November 18). Nimitz strike group drills near Scarborough Shoal with Philippines, Japan. https://news.usni.org/2025/11/18/nimitz-strike-group-drills-near-scarborough-shoal-with-philippines-japan

U.S. Naval Institute News. (2025, November 17). USNI News fleet and marine tracker: Nov. 17, 2025. https://news.usni.org/2025/11/17/usni-news-fleet-and-marine-tracker-nov-17-2025

Featured Image is AI Generated and does not depict an actual event. It is an image of the wishfulness of many Filipino Fisher folk.

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