Recent developments in the West Philippine Sea have heightened concerns over China’s increasing activities in the region. The Philippine government has reported a significant rise in the number of Chinese vessels operating within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), alongside incidents involving Chinese maritime forces.(Philippine News Agency, Maritime Fairtrade)

Surge in Chinese Maritime Presence

In February 2025, the Armed Forces of the Philippines observed a record-high presence of 260 Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, marking a notable increase from previous months (Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2025). These vessels include China Coast Guard ships, maritime militia, and People’s Liberation Army Navy warships. The areas affected encompass Bajo de Masinloc, Ayungin Shoal, and Julian Felipe Reef, all of which fall within the Philippines’ EEZ.(SunStar Publishing Inc.)

Incidents of Aggressive Behavior

Philippine authorities have documented several confrontations involving Chinese maritime forces. Notably, in November 2023, Chinese Coast Guard vessels deployed water cannons against Philippine supply boats en route to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal, resulting in injuries to Filipino crew members (Philippine News Agency, 2023). Additionally, in June 2024, a resupply mission to the same shoal was obstructed when a Chinese vessel rammed a Philippine boat, leading to the confiscation of firearms and communication equipment from the Filipino crew (Wikipedia, 2024).(Wikipedia, Philippine News Agency, Wikipedia)

Diplomatic Responses and Legal Actions

The Philippine government has consistently lodged diplomatic protests against China’s actions, citing violations of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea (Maritime Fairtrade, 2025). In response to China’s flag-planting on Sandy Cay, a disputed reef near Thitu Island, the Philippines conducted a similar display of sovereignty by planting its flag on nearby sandbanks (The Sun, 2025).(Maritime Fairtrade, The US Sun)

International Reactions

The United States has condemned China’s “dangerous” maneuvers in the region, particularly incidents involving Chinese naval helicopters endangering Philippine aircraft over Scarborough Shoal (Reuters, 2025). Furthermore, the U.S. and Philippine forces conducted joint military exercises, Balikatan, in April 2025, aimed at enhancing deterrence capabilities amid escalating tensions (The Times, 2025). China criticized Australia’s participation in these exercises, accusing the allied nations of provoking conflict under the guise of promoting freedom and cooperation (News.com.au, 2025).(Reuters, The Times, news)

Espionage Concerns

In addition to maritime confrontations, the Philippines has apprehended five Chinese nationals in January 2025 for alleged espionage activities. The suspects were reportedly involved in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations targeting Philippine military installations in Palawan and Bataan, areas critical to Philippine maritime security (Rappler, 2025).(RAPPLER)

Conclusion

The escalating presence and activities of Chinese maritime forces in the West Philippine Sea have raised significant concerns regarding regional stability and the enforcement of international maritime laws. The Philippine government continues to assert its sovereignty over its EEZ and seeks to strengthen international support to address these challenges.(Maritime Fairtrade)

References

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