Philippines Counter China’s Aggression in West Philippine Sea

Tensions Rise in the West Philippine Sea

The West Philippine Sea (WPS) continues to be a focal point of maritime tensions between the Philippines and China. Recent reports indicate a series of aggressive maneuvers by the China Coast Guard (CCG), prompting serious concerns from the Philippine government.

On April 9, 2025, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed alarm regarding the CCG’s dangerous actions at Panatag Shoal. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro conveyed the President’s worry in a media briefing, stating that the Philippines maintains professionalism while addressing the issue (Co, 2025).

Just days prior, on April 6, the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) BRP Cabra nearly faced a collision with the CCG vessel CCG 3302. The incident occurred while the BRP Cabra was en route to Panatag Shoal. The CCG ship maneuvered recklessly, coming as close as 16 meters to the Philippine vessel. Commodore Jay Tarriela described this conduct as a blatant disregard for safety protocols, heightening fears about maritime safety in contested waters (Ong, 2025).

The situation escalates further with ongoing reports of a significant Chinese naval presence. According to the Philippine Navy, 40 Chinese vessels, including warships, were spotted in the WPS during March. Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad confirmed that these vessels were observed in critical areas such as Bajo de Masinloc and Ayungin Shoal. Of the 40 vessels, 15 were from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and 25 from the CCG (Rita, 2025).

Trinidad emphasized the Philippine Navy’s commitment to maintaining national security through sea and air patrols, asserting they will not be deterred by foreign vessels operating within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) (Rita, 2025; Argosino, 2025).

The Philippine government has ramped up its response to these increasing incidents. Recently, the Philippines added a new warship to its naval assets. The BRP Miguel Malvar, a missile-guided corvette, will soon patrol the West Philippine Sea. This development comes in the wake of rising tensions with China and underscores the Philippines’ commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro stated that this vessel marks a step toward a self-reliant and credible defense posture (Corrales, 2025).

In addition to naval enhancements, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has received advanced drone technology to support operations in the WPS. A recent transfer from Australia included 20 drones valued at P34 million, aimed at improving surveillance and response capabilities against incursions by foreign vessels (Corrales, 2025).

The situation is further complicated by the spread of misinformation regarding maritime sovereignty. Commodore Tarriela reported a coordinated fake news campaign designed to undermine the Philippines’ position on the WPS. He identified social media influencers as the “initiators” of this disinformation, which has increased significantly over the past two years (Javier, 2025). The public is urged to recognize the impact of these narratives, as they can create division among Filipinos about national territorial integrity.

Despite diplomatic tensions, there have been joint military exercises with allies. The Philippine Air Force recently engaged in “Cope Thunder,” a bilateral exercise with the United States in response to heightened maritime challenges posed by China (Mangosing, 2025). This exercise aims to enhance combat readiness and reinforce partnerships among allied nations in the region.

Amid these developments, the Philippine government has reiterated its position on territorial sovereignty. It aims to uphold its rights within the the West Philippine Sea, in accordance with the 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea (Bajo, 2025).

In summary, the West Philippine Sea remains highly turbulent, with aggressive maneuvers by Chinese vessels prompting a robust response from the Philippines. Ongoing naval enhancements, international cooperation, and vigilance against misinformation are crucial components in the country’s strategy to protect its territorial waters and assert its sovereignty.

The Philippines stands firm in its commitment to safeguarding its maritime domains, even in the face of escalating tensions and disinformation campaigns that threaten national unity and security.

References:

• Co, A. S. (2025, April 9). ‘China Coast Guard maneuvers at Panatag Shoal concerning’. Panay News.
• Corrales, N. (2025, April 9). PH adds corvette-class warship to naval assets. Philippine Daily Inquirer.
• Argosino, F. (2025, April 8). 40 Chinese vessels monitored in West PH Sea in March – PH Navy. INQUIRER.net.
• Rita, J. (2025, April 8). PH Navy: 40 Chinese vessels including warships seen in WPS in March. GMA Integrated News.
• Javier, P. (2025, April 9). PCG spokesperson unveils levels of ‘fake news campaign’ on West Philippine Sea. ABS-CBN News.
• Bajo, A. F. (2025, April 8). Marcos ‘concerned’ with China’s latest aggression in WPS. GMA Integrated News.
• Mangosing, F. (2025, April 8). PCG challenges Chinese ship amid ‘Cope Thunder’ drills. Philippine Daily Inquirer.
• Ong, G. (2025, April 8). PCG averts near-collision with China ship in West Philippine Sea. The Philippine Star.
• INQUIRER.net. (2025, April 7). PCG deploys aircraft to challenge Chinese research ship near Batanes. INQUIRER.net.
• Argosino, F. (2025, April 7). Chinese vessel that blocked PCG ship in Scarborough moves away. INQUIRER.net.

This aggregation of sources showcases the significant and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippine government, bolstered by military enhancements and international alliances, continues to navigate these complex issues while striving to maintain sovereignty and security against foreign incursions. The evolving narrative is critical as it informs citizens and underscores the importance of unity in addressing these national challenges.