The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining regular patrols in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), dismissively responding to Chinese claims that such operations undermine regional stability.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the AFP will not be deterred by Beijing’s recent criticisms.
He emphasized that it is actually the actions of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) that have served as the primary source of “instability” within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“Our exercises in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) are scheduled, duly coordinated, and pre-approved, and are within our EEZ,” Trinidad said in a statement.
Trinidad added that these activities are conducted independently by Filipino forces as well as in collaboration with treaty allies and “like-minded nations.”
The AFP’s statement follows a series of joint maritime activities, including a recent bilateral bomber air patrol involving a Philippine Air Force FA-50 and a U.S. Air Force B-52 over the Luzon Strait on February 4.
Trinidad characterized China’s own patrols and exercises near Bajo de Masinloc as “illegal actions” that lack a basis in international law.
He noted that China’s pattern of “unlawful actions” has targeted not only the Philippines but other maritime states across Southeast Asia.
The military official’s remarks come amid a reported surge in Chinese maritime presence.
Recent data from the AFP showed that 55 Chinese vessels were monitored in various parts of the WPS in late January, with significant concentrations near Pag-asa Island and Bajo de Masinloc.
Despite the friction, the AFP maintains that its presence in the region is a lawful assertion of sovereignty and sovereign rights, vowing to continue its patrol plans as scheduled throughout 2026.