By WPS.News Staff | Baybay City — Between 9:00 PM on April 22 and 9:00 PM on April 23, 2025 (PHT), the West Philippine Sea witnessed heightened geopolitical activity, marked by increased Chinese military maneuvers and strategic responses from the Philippine.

🌦️ Weather Overvie

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported stable weather conditions during this period. In Puerto Princesa, Palawan, temperatures ranged from 24.8°C to 30.5°C, with light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas, facilitating maritime operations.

🇨🇳 Chinese Military Activities

*Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc):
On April 20, the Chinese navy claimed to have expelled the Philippine Navy’s BRP Apolinario Mabini, asserting that the vessel “illegally intruded” into waters near Scarborough Shoal.The People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command stated that the Philippine frigate violated Chinese sovereignty and aws.

*Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal):
While specific incidents during this period were not reported, tensions persist at Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippines maintains a grounded naval vessel, the BRP Sierra Madre, at the shoal to assert its cam. In previous encounters, Chinese forces have disrupted Philippine resupply missions to the vessel.

*Palawan Region:
On April 2, the Philippine Coast Guard detected the Chinese research vessel “Song Hang” operating approximately 58 nautical miles off Aborlan, Palwn. An aircraft was deployed to challenge the vessel’s presence, asserting Philippine sovereignty over its archipelagic waers. citeturn0search6

🇵🇭 Philippine Response and Strategic Poture

In response to escalating tensions, the Philippines, in collaboration with the United States, commenced the annual Balikatan military exercises on April 21.The drills involve approximately 9,000 U.S. and 5,000 Filipino troops, with participation from Australia, Japan, and other nations. The exercises simulate full-scale battle scenarios, including maritime defense and anti-invasion operations.

The Philippine Coast Guard has reiterated its commitment to challenging foreign vessels operating within the country’s exclusive economic zone, emphasizing that such actions are within its mandate to protect national interests.

🔍 Concusion

The period from April 22 to 23, 2025, underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the West Philippine Sea. While the Philippines continues to assert its sovereignty through diplomatic and military means, the situation remains fluid, with both regional and international implications.

References

For more updates on the West Philippine Sea, stay tuned to WPS.News.

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