Chinese Vessels in the West Philippine Sea Return Amid Rising Tensions

On Monday, a China Coast Guard vessel was seen tailing the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Gabriela Silang near Bajo de Masinloc. The 100-meter CCG vessel 3302 followed the 84-meter Philippine ship patrolling 50 to 75 nautical miles off the shoal. Another vessel, 3305, stayed at the entrance. Powell noted that Philippine ships rarely approach closer than 15 nautical miles. Six more Chinese militia ships, part of the Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, returned to Bajo de Masinloc after storm Enteng passed.

Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea have returned following their brief withdrawal due to tropical storm “Enteng.” Ray Powell, director of SeaLight at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Centre, reported that AIS tracking revealed six Chinese maritime militia ships and one coast guard vessel moving from Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef) to Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). Despite the storm, a 111-meter Chinese Coast Guard ship remained stationed at the reef. Additionally, over 20 Chinese ships surrounded a lone Philippine vessel at Escoda Shoal, while another was spotted near Ayungin Shoal, where the BRP Sierra Madre is grounded.

Amid these developments, the People’s Daily published a commentary urging the Philippines to “seriously consider the future” of their relationship with China, describing it as being “at a crossroads.” Tensions have escalated, with both countries accusing each other of intentionally ramming vessels. In June, a clash resulted in a Filipino sailor losing a finger.

Despite attempts to restore trust and improve communication, these confrontations continue to strain relations. The commentary, written under the pen name “Zhong Sheng,” often used for official foreign policy statements, stressed that dialogue is the only viable path forward. It urged Manila to cooperate with China to bring bilateral ties back on track.

China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea, rejected by the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration, remain contested by other nations, including the Philippines. China, however, continues to dismiss the ruling.