In early June 2025, tensions across Asia’s most contested waters took another sharp turn. This time, China’s patrols near Taiwan’s islands set off a flurry of responses: from live drills in Taipei to strategic partnerships in Manila, and even fresh involvement from Europe. The series of events illustrates how easily maritime provocations can trigger wider geopolitical shifts.
China’s Patrols and the Shadow of March Drills
On June 6, Taiwan sounded the alarm as Chinese navy and coast guard ships moved unusually close to several of its outlying islands. Beijing claimed it was a routine patrol, but Taipei viewed the maneuver as deliberate pressure—part of a familiar playbook. Just three months earlier, in March, China had carried out a large-scale military exercise around Taiwan, which escalated regional unease.
Just before the Taiwan incident, China had held a separate coast guard drill, inviting or involving Pacific Island countries—another move seen as part of its effort to project maritime influence beyond its immediate region. The event was publicly framed as cooperative, but in the eyes of Taiwan, it showed Beijing’s continued drive to expand its presence far beyond its own coastline.
Meanwhile, observers are keeping a close eye on China’s activity in the Paracels. Woody Island, a known military hub, is currently hosting long-range bombers. Their presence adds to concerns about Beijing’s ability to project power deeper into the South China Sea.
Taiwan’s Coast Guard Drill Sends a Message
Taiwan wasted no time responding. On June 8, it carried out a joint drill involving both the coast guard and military forces—something rarely done in the past. The exercise took place in the Taiwan Strait and included live-fire training, fast deployment, and coordination drills to prepare for intrusions.
Officials described the exercise as a direct response to hybrid threats that fall outside conventional warfare. Given the timing of China’s patrols, Taiwan wanted to make sure its deterrence capabilities were clearly on display.
Philippines and U.S. Step Up Joint Operations
A few days earlier, on June 5, the Philippines held another joint maritime exercise with the United States—their seventh so far in 2025. The drills, conducted in the West Philippine Sea, focused on sharpening real-time coordination, vessel inspection scenarios, and shared security procedures.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad explained that these operations are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime defense. He noted the importance of working closely with partners, especially given the uptick in Chinese maritime activity. Philippine patrol vessels continue to face tense encounters with foreign ships inside their exclusive economic zone, making these drills all the more crucial.
Europe Deepens Its Stake in Regional Stability
Beyond the military exercises, diplomacy made headlines earlier in the month. On June 2, the Philippines and the European Union agreed to start a formal security and defense dialogue. This move, announced by Foreign Affairs officials, signals a growing European interest in maintaining stability and lawful conduct in the Indo-Pacific.
China reacted with sharp words. On June 5, state media accused the EU of stirring up conflict and interfering in matters outside its region. Still, for the Philippines, Europe’s engagement is a welcome shift—one that shows increasing international support for countries facing pressure from China’s assertive maritime policy.
China’s Patrols Are Now Everyone’s Problem
June’s events confirm that China’s patrols aren’t isolated incidents—they are part of a deeper strategy that’s drawing in regional and global powers. From military build-ups to defense partnerships, the South China Sea is shifting from a contested zone to a potential flashpoint.
Taiwan and the Philippines are not standing alone. With backing from the U.S. and now increased interest from Europe, the balance of power may be slowly adjusting. Whether this will lead to lasting deterrence—or sharper confrontations—remains to be seen. For now, the waters remain rough, and the stakes higher than ever.
