Recent developments in the West Philippine Sea include a suspected Chinese rocket sighting over Palawan, renewed debate over historical claims to Scarborough Shoal, continued U.S. military presence in the Philippines, and public support for transparency regarding China’s activities.
Suspected Chinese rocket seen over Palawan airspace
Personnel of the Western Naval Command captured video of what officials believe may have been a Chinese rocket passing over or near Philippine airspace above Palawan. The debris reportedly fell into nearby waters, with no injuries or damage reported. Authorities said they are verifying the object and monitoring the situation.
Source: Inquirer.net
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/313858/suspected-china-rocket-over-palawan-airspace-captured-in-video
U.S. military assets to remain in the Philippines
Philippine military officials said there are no indications that the United States plans to redeploy its military assets stationed in the Philippines to the Middle East despite regional tensions there. Defense cooperation and scheduled exercises between the two allies are expected to proceed as planned.
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
https://www.inquirer.net/470275/us-assets-to-stay-in-ph-no-redeployment-to-middle-east/
China cites 1990 diplomatic communication to support claim
Chinese officials referenced a 1990 diplomatic communication as part of their argument supporting Beijing’s claim over Scarborough Shoal. The document reportedly suggested that the feature did not fall under Philippine territorial sovereignty.
Source: Daily Tribune
https://tribune.net.ph/2026/03/14/china-backs-wps-claim-with-1990-radio-missive
Philippine Coast Guard rejects historical claim
The Philippine Coast Guard rejected China’s interpretation of the 1990 communication, calling it a misleading representation of history and reiterating the Philippines’ position on its maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea.
Source: Daily Tribune
https://tribune.net.ph/2026/03/15/pcg-chinas-scarborough-shoal-claim-misleading-distortion-of-history
https://tribune.net.ph/2026/03/15/pcg-slams-beijings-1990-diplomatic-note-distortion
Poll shows Filipinos support disclosure of China’s actions
A recent survey indicated that many Filipinos support continued government disclosure of Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea. The results suggest broad public backing for transparency regarding maritime incidents and developments in the disputed waters.
Source: Philstar / Manila Bulletin
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/03/16/2514594/pinoys-want-continued-disclosure-chinas-actions
https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/15/poll-results-show-pinoys-united-stand-on-wps-amid-chinas-actions-house-young-guns