Philippine Navy Denies Chinese Maritime Patrol
The Philippine Navy firmly denied claims of a recent maritime patrol conducted by the Chinese navy and coast guard in Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, located in the West Philippine Sea. This denial came after reports circulated on Saturday, May 31, about Chinese military activities in the area.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the Philippine Navy’s West Philippine Sea operations, stated that monitoring efforts by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Navy within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 200 nautical miles showed no evidence of such patrols by the People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theater Command or the China Coast Guard.
However, the Navy did confirm the presence of two China Coast Guard vessels along with six maritime militia ships in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc. Additionally, four Vietnamese fishing boats and three Taiwanese fishing vessels were also spotted in the area.
Implications of Chinese Presence in the West Philippine Sea
Rear Admiral Trinidad pointed out that these reports likely form part of information-shaping efforts by the Chinese Communist Party aimed at managing internal dissent or influencing international perspectives. Local experts note that such strategies often seek to sway public opinion and diplomatic discussions.
Chinese state media had reported that the Southern Theater Command organized a “combat readiness patrol” while the China Coast Guard conducted law enforcement missions around Huangyan Dao—the Chinese name for Bajo de Masinloc—and nearby waters. The command claims to have intensified patrols and alertness since May.
Despite these developments, the Philippine Navy remains committed to defending the country’s territorial integrity. Trinidad emphasized, “The Philippine Navy and the Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue to secure and protect our maritime domain as we remain committed to regional peace and stability.”
Strategic Importance and Recent Incidents
Bajo de Masinloc lies 124 nautical miles from the coast of Zambales within the Philippines’ EEZ, whereas it is 472 nautical miles away from the closest Chinese territory, Hainan province. This geographical fact underscores the Philippine claim over the shoal.
Tensions have escalated following an incident on May 5, when a Chinese navy frigate dangerously crossed the path of a Philippine Navy patrol ship near Bajo de Masinloc, resulting in a near-collision. Security analysts have also reported that China has doubled its deployment of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the area over the last year.
The National Security Council warned that any attempt by China to build artificial islands in Bajo de Masinloc—similar to structures on Fiery Cross, Mischief, and Subi Reefs—would be considered a “red line” by the Philippine government.
Regional Context and Future Prospects
Besides the Philippines and China, countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam have overlapping claims in the South China Sea. The ASEAN bloc and China adopted a Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in 2002, which requires claimant states to maintain the status quo in these strategic waters.
During the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, President Marcos Jr. urged leaders to expedite a legally binding Code of Conduct to govern activities in the South China Sea, a process that has been ongoing since the early 1990s.
Rear Admiral Trinidad assured that the AFP will be ready to implement the Code of Conduct once finalized. “The AFP is an armed force for peace. Nevertheless, we are prepared to perform our mandate regardless of any challenge, especially in the maritime domain,” he said. “Whatever comes out of the Code of Conduct, the AFP is prepared to implement.”
For more news and updates on Philippine Navy maritime patrol, visit Filipinokami.com.