Increased Patrols, ASEAN Concern, and Manila’s Firm Stance Mark New Week in West Philippine Sea Affairs

China Increased Patrols Around Scarborough Shoal, Data Shows

Newly released data reveals that China nearly doubled its patrols near Scarborough Shoal in 2025, sending a substantially higher number of ships compared with the prior year. Analysts interpret this as part of Beijing’s ongoing effort to assert maritime presence in the contested feature, which lies well within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as defined by international law and the 2016 Arbitral Award. Such increased activity comes amid other incidents, including close-in maneuvers and reported harassment of Filipino fishermen and patrol vessels.
Source: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/01/30/2504571/china-doubled-patrols-scarborough-shoal-2025-new-data-shows


ASEAN Expresses Concern Over Reclamations and Incidents in the South China Sea

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has publicly stated its concern over ongoing land reclamation activities and “serious incidents” involving military and civilian vessels in the South China Sea. This statement reflects widening regional unease about actions that could escalate tensions and destabilize maritime security. ASEAN’s communiqué urged all claimants to exercise restraint, abide by international law — including UNCLOS — and avoid actions that might complicate diplomatic efforts to negotiate a binding Code of Conduct.
Source: https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/29/asean-views-with-concern-land-reclamations-serious-incidents-in-s-china-sea-2206


Philippine Coast Guard Strengthens Patrol Missions

In response to heightened activity in Philippine waters, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has increased patrol missions around key maritime features, including Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal. PCG leadership emphasized the importance of maintaining visibility, protecting Filipino fishermen, and upholding lawful rights under UNCLOS. The PCG continues to document incidents at sea and coordinate with partner agencies to ensure the safety and security of Philippine maritime zones.
Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1268035



55 Chinese Vessels Detected Across Key Features of the West Philippine Sea

The Philippine Navy reported the detection of 55 Chinese vessels operating across four key features of the West Philippine Sea between January 18 and 25, underscoring the scale and persistence of China’s maritime presence in Philippine waters. According to Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS, the vessels consisted of five People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships, 10 China Coast Guard (CCG) ships, and 40 Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels (CMMVs).

The ships were monitored in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), Ayungin Shoal, Escoda Shoal, and near Pag-asa Island. Of these, 13 vessels were sighted in Bajo de Masinloc, including four PLAN warships, four CCG vessels, and five CMMVs. Ayungin Shoal saw three CCG ships and two CMMVs, while Escoda Shoal had two CCG vessels and five CMMVs. Near Pag-asa Island, the Navy tracked one PLAN warship, one CCG ship, and 28 CMMVs, highlighting the continued use of maritime militia alongside regular naval and coast guard assets.
Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1267814

President Marcos Stands by Philippine Officials’ Statements on the West Philippine Sea

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. publicly endorsed the positions taken by Philippine officials on the West Philippine Sea, affirming that asserting rights under international law is consistent with the country’s foreign policy and national interest. He stressed the importance of unity, clarity of purpose, and strategic engagement in addressing both bilateral pressures and multilateral efforts toward a rules-based regional order.
Source: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/01/27/2503727/marcos-stands-statements-philippines-officials-west-philippine-sea