A surge of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea last month has heightened concerns about Beijing’s growing maritime assertiveness, with the Philippine Navy reporting 260 ships—including warships—operating in waters that Manila claims as its own.
The increase, officials say, reflects an intensifying campaign by China to cement control over the contested region, even as international legal rulings invalidate its claims.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy’s spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, revealed in a briefing Tuesday that Chinese forces had maintained a consistent presence across key flashpoints. Nine China Coast Guard (CCG) ships were detected near Bajo de Masinloc, while seven others patrolled Ayungin Shoal, where the Philippines maintains a rusting military outpost aboard the BRP Sierra Madre.
Meanwhile, two warships from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) were also sighted—an indication that China is using more than just paramilitary tactics in the disputed waters.
“For the month of February, a total of 260 different ships were monitored all over the WPS, especially our features,” Trinidad said. “This level of activity is concerning.”
Recent developments have brought the strategic island province of Palawan into sharper focus. The Philippine Navy recently monitored a Chinese research vessel operating within Palawan’s eastern waters, with Beijing claiming adverse weather conditions as the reason for its presence—an explanation met with skepticism by Philippine authorities.
Additionally, three Chinese Coast Guard ships were spotted near Palawan just weeks ago, marking one of the closest incursions to Philippine shores in recent years.
Beyond maritime incursions, disinformation campaigns have emerged, with Chinese social media platforms spreading false claims that Palawan historically belonged to China. Philippine officials have dismissed these assertions as baseless propaganda aimed at legitimizing territorial expansion.
Beijing, for its part, has been solid in its defense of these deployments. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, claimed that the country’s presence in the area is based on historical rights and legal precedents.
“China’s sovereignty and rights and interests in the South China Sea were established in the long course of history and are solidly grounded in history and law,” he said.
Guo went on to accuse the Philippines of heightening tensions.
“We call on the Philippines once again to immediately stop all infringement activities, provocations, and false accusations, and cease all actions that jeopardize peace and stability,” he said.
That argument has done little to sway Philippine officials, who say Beijing’s actions directly challenge Manila’s sovereignty. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has responded by reinforcing military ties with the United States and other regional allies, marking a stark departure from his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, who had sought closer ties with China.
In response to the escalating incursions, the Philippine government is preparing a new arbitration case against China for violating international law. Officials are gathering evidence to prove China’s continued breaches of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), leveraging diplomatic channels to rally international support.
Meanwhile, Australia has voiced its support for Manila, with defense officials from both countries agreeing to strengthen security cooperation, including joint exercises and intelligence sharing. The renewed partnerships stress the broader geopolitical stakes of the dispute, with allies positioning themselves against Beijing’s growing influence.