The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has vowed to continue its efforts to challenge China’s increasing presence in the South China Sea, asserting its determination to prevent Beijing from normalising illegal maritime patrols. In a statement released on January 20, the PCG emphasised the importance of confronting these actions to avoid setting a dangerous precedent for future incursions, as reported by BusinessWorld.

China’s increasing assertiveness in the region has sparked growing tensions, particularly as the Philippine Coast Guard faces the presence of China’s "monster ship," the China Coast Guard (CCG)-5901, which was recently spotted within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Despite the departure of the giant vessel, another Chinese ship, CCG-3304, remains in the area, causing concern. The Philippine Coast Guard has made it clear that its response, led by vessels such as the BRP Gabriela Silang, is not intended to provoke Beijing, but to peacefully manage the situation through adherence to international law.

As tensions increase, both Japan and Taiwan have been observing moves by both sides; Japan as the leading economic and military powerhouse in the region and Taiwan ever under threat of invasion by Chinese forces that surround the island daily.

The presence of China’s coast guard vessels near the Philippines’ Scarborough Shoal and other contested waters meanwhile is seen as part of Beijing’s broader strategy to assert its dominance over the South China Sea. The Philippines, however, has repeatedly challenged these actions, calling them unlawful and an infringement on its sovereign rights. With the looming threat of China further escalating its control over the waters, the Philippine Coast Guard is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the rule of law prevails.

Notably, the Philippines has accused China of intimidating Filipino fishermen and normalising illegal activities in the region, especially after Beijing deployed its largest coast guard vessel into the Philippine EEZ earlier this month. The PCG's continued presence aims to protect Filipino interests, prevent the undermining of international law, and maintain peace in the region.

The stakes are high, as the Philippine government argues that China’s disregard for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) could lead to broader regional instability. A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague already nullified China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea, further underscoring the legality of the Philippines’ and other nations actions.