2 Chinese Vessels Spotted Off Palawan Near Balikatan Site

Two Chinese vessels were recently spotted near Palawan, close to the site of the ongoing Balikatan military exercises conducted jointly by the Philippines and the United States. This sighting has raised concerns about potential maritime tensions in the region, as the presence of Chinese ships in the contested waters of the South China Sea continues […]

PCG Reports Damage After China Uses Water Cannons in Bajo de Masinloc

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has reported significant damage following an incident involving the Chinese Coast Guard, who used water cannons against Filipino vessels in the disputed waters of Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal.

This aggressive maneuver has escalated tensions in the South China Sea, drawing international attention to the ongoing territorial disputes in the region. The confrontation occurred when the PCG vessels were on a routine patrol mission within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). According to PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, the Chinese Coast Guard deployed high-pressure […]

China Coast Guard Fires Water Cannons at Philippine Vessels Near Scarborough Shoal

Tensions in the South China Sea have flared once again as the China Coast Guard (CCG) fired water cannons at Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal.

This incident, which occurred on [specific date if known], highlights the ongoing disputes over territorial claims in this strategically significant region. The Scarborough Shoal, located about 120 nautical miles west of the Philippines’ Luzon Island, is claimed by both China and the Philippines. It has long been a flashpoint in the broader South China Sea […]

AFP: Chinese Ship Seen Near Catanduanes Possibly on Survey Mission

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recently reported the presence of a Chinese vessel near the island province of Catanduanes, raising concerns about its intentions.

The ship, spotted within the Philippines’ territorial waters, is believed to be on a survey mission, which has heightened tensions in the region. The vessel’s appearance near Catanduanes, an area not typically frequented by foreign ships, prompted immediate scrutiny from the Philippine military. The AFP quickly mobilized its assets to monitor the ship’s activities, emphasizing […]

Chinese Spy Ships Stalk US, PH, and French Warships in South China Sea

In a move that has heightened tensions in the already volatile South China Sea, Chinese spy ships have been observed closely monitoring naval activities involving warships from the United States, the Philippines, and France.

This development underscores the increasingly fraught dynamics in the region, where strategic interests and military posturing have led to frequent confrontations and a steady escalation of military presence. Reports of Chinese intelligence-gathering vessels shadowing US, Philippine, and French warships have raised concerns among defense analysts and international observers. The South China Sea, a critical maritime […]

Japan Hands PH Updated Air Surveillance Radar Amid Ongoing Military Drills

In a significant boost to regional security and bilateral defense cooperation, Japan has provided the Philippines with an updated air surveillance radar system.

This development comes at a crucial time as military drills are actively underway, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. The advanced radar system is expected to enhance the Philippines’ capabilities in monitoring airspace and detecting potential threats. This technology transfer marks a milestone in Japan-Philippines defense relations and reflects the shared commitment […]

Number of Chinese vessels surges in West Philippine Sea amid Balikatan

The West Philippine Sea has seen a significant increase in the presence of Chinese vessels, coinciding with the annual Balikatan exercises conducted by the United States and the Philippines.

This surge in maritime activity has heightened tensions in the region, drawing international attention to the ongoing territorial disputes in these contested waters. Balikatan, which means “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Filipino, is a series of joint military exercises aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening the defense capabilities of the US and Philippine forces. This year’s exercises, involving […]

39th edition of ‘Balikatan’ exercises between PH, U.S. began

The 39th edition of the "Balikatan" military exercises, a hallmark of defense cooperation between the Philippines and the United States, has officially commenced, signaling the continued strength and importance of the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

This year’s iteration of Balikatan, which translates to “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Filipino, brings together thousands of troops from both countries to engage in a series of coordinated training operations aimed at enhancing interoperability and readiness. Balikatan 2024 is particularly significant as it reflects the evolving security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region. The exercises focus on a […]

China expected to ‘behave well’ during WPS trilateral drills – PH Navy

As tensions simmer in the South China Sea, the Philippine Navy remains optimistic about China's conduct during the upcoming trilateral naval drills in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

These exercises, involving the Philippines, the United States, and Japan, are designed to enhance maritime security and cooperation among the participating nations. The trilateral drills come at a time of heightened scrutiny over China’s activities in the South China Sea, where it has been involved in territorial disputes with several Southeast Asian nations, including the […]

China claims sovereignty over Pagasa Island; accuses PH of encroachment

Tensions have escalated in the South China Sea as China recently claimed sovereignty over Pagasa Island, one of the disputed territories in the region. This move has sparked controversy and drawn strong reactions from the Philippines, which has accused China of encroachment on its territorial waters. The dispute over Pagasa Island is emblematic of broader geopolitical struggles in the South China Sea, where multiple nations assert territorial claims and vie for control of strategic maritime routes.

Pagasa Island, also known as Thitu Island, is part of the Spratly Islands archipelago and is currently under Philippine control. It is home to a small civilian community and a military presence, with the Philippines maintaining infrastructure and conducting patrols in the area. However, China’s recent assertion of sovereignty over the island has reignited long-standing […]