Philippines stands its ground against a more assertive China in West Philippine SeaA China Coast Guard ship blasts a BFAR vessel with water cannon near Sandy Cay in the West Philippine Sea in May 2025. YearenderMANILA, Philippines — While China became bolder in its claims over the entire South China Sea to the point of hurting Filipino civilians, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) remained firm in defending the country’s sovereign rights in the portion called West Philippine Sea. In the past year, not only did vessels of the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia swarm features in the West Philippine Sea, but also warships and aircraft from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and Chinese research vessels. Aside from Chinese coast guard, military and militia ships, Chinese research vessels were also spotted intruding the West Philippine Sea, even sailing very close to the shores of Luzon and Batanes. Along with the presence of the Chinese research ships were found underwater drones suspected to have come from them.

Source: Philippine Star January 05, 2026 03:53 UTC