The Philippine Navy reports observation of multiple Chinese vessels near disputed features in the West Philippine Sea, amid ongoing maritime tensions.
The Philippine Navy announced on February 24, 2026, that a total of 18 Chinese vessels were monitored in various features of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during the week of February 15 to 22. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the Philippine Navy on WPS matters, detailed the distribution of the vessels as follows: nine at Bajo de Masinloc (comprised of four People’s Liberation Army Navy and five China Coast Guard ships), four China Coast Guard vessels at Ayungin Shoal, three vessels (two PLAN and one CCG) at Escoda Shoal, and two vessels (one PLAN and one CCG) at Pag-asa Island.
The Philippine Coast Guard previously accused Chinese authorities of signal jamming while Filipino vessels conducted maritime patrols near Bajo de Masinloc. These activities occur amid ongoing disputes, as China asserts expansive claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, which overlaps with territorial claims by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. To emphasize its sovereignty, the Philippine government has renamed sections of the South China Sea within its jurisdiction as the West Philippine Sea.
The sea areas in question include maritime zones west of the Philippines, including the Luzon Sea and adjacent waters to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s extensive claims, a decision China has rejected. Maritime tensions continue, affecting regional stability and international shipping lanes vital to global commerce.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/977640/philippine-navy-chinese-vessels-west-philippine-sea-wps/story/
