Palawan – A TOTAL of 41 Chinese vessels operating in contested areas of the West Philippine Sea was tracked by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from May 1 to 30, 2025.
The AFP recorded their presence around three strategic locations—Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), Ayungin Shoal, and Pag-asa Island.
During today’s briefing AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla said that they are continuously monitoring their activities in these areas
Padilla emphasized that Scarborough Shoal registered the heaviest concentration, with 15 China Coast Guard vessels and 11 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ships—totaling 26 vessels—detected over the course of the month. At Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, six coast guard ships and one navy vessel were sighted. Around Pag-asa Island, the AFP reported four PLA Navy ships and four additional China Coast Guard vessels.
Though China claims nearly the entire South China Sea under its so-called nine-dash line, a 2016 arbitral ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) invalidated those sweeping claims, recognizing parts of the disputed waters as falling within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Despite that ruling, Chinese vessels—both military and paramilitary—have maintained a near-daily presence in contested waters, particularly in areas where the Philippines maintains outposts or civilian settlements.
“This is not a one-time occurrence,” Col. Padilla noted.
“It’s a clear indication of China’s long-term strategy to assert presence and control over these areas that are well within our exclusive economic zone.”
He added that military surveillance and missions and maritime patrols will continue, and that the AFP remains prepared to respond to any escalation that could endanger Philippine sovereignty or regional stability.
The Philippine government has yet to release a formal diplomatic protest related to the May incursions, though officials have consistently denounced what they call “illegal and destabilizing activities” in the region.
About the Author
