Philippines Intensifies Patrols at Bajo de Masinloc Amid Suspected Chinese Island-Building

Increased Vigilance at Disputed Shoal

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has intensified its patrols at Bajo de Masinloc, also known internationally as Scarborough Shoal and by China as Huangyan Dao, amid growing suspicions of renewed island-building activities by China. The strategic maritime feature is located approximately 120 to 140 nautical miles west of Luzon, placing it within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan hinted at the possibility of Chinese reclamation efforts, stating, 'It's possible.' He affirmed the PCG's unwavering commitment to maintaining a 'persistent presence' at Bajo de Masinloc to guard against any such activities. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. also voiced concerns, warning that the Philippines 'will not allow' Scarborough Shoal to become another militarized outpost like Mischief Reef.

Escalating Maritime Incidents and Philippine Response

The heightened patrols are part of Manila's broader efforts to assert its sovereign rights and protect its fishermen in the contested waters. Recent months have seen a series of confrontations:

• On August 11, 2025, two Chinese vessels reportedly collided while pursuing a Filipino patrol boat, the BRP Suluan, near Bajo de Masinloc.
• Chinese Coast Guard vessels have employed water cannons against Filipino fishing vessels during resupply missions, injuring at least one sailor in September 2025.
• Chinese ships have also engaged in 'reckless and dangerous moves,' including a near-collision incident involving the PCG's BRP Cabra in April 2025.

Despite these challenges, the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) continue to conduct humanitarian missions, distributing aid and fuel to local fishermen under programs like 'Kadiwa.' PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela has consistently voiced support for Filipino fishers, assuring them of government protection.

China's Assertions and Island-Building History

China maintains its claim over Bajo de Masinloc, referring to it as Huangyan Dao, under its expansive 'Ten-Dash Line' claim. In September 2025, China announced plans to establish the 'Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve,' a move that drew immediate condemnation from the Philippines and the United States. Concurrently, China has increased its military presence around the shoal, deploying naval and air forces for 'combat readiness patrols' to 'reinforce patrols and vigilance' and 'effectively counter unlawful infringements and provocations.'

This recent activity follows a pattern of extensive island-building by China in the South China Sea. Between 2013 and 2016, China constructed artificial islands on seven coral reefs in the Spratly Islands, reclaiming thousands of acres of land. These artificial islands have since been militarized with infrastructure such as airstrips, helipads, port facilities, and missile systems. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has consistently rejected the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, which invalidated China's historic claims in the South China Sea, labeling it 'null and void' and non-binding.

International Law and Regional Stability

The Philippines asserts its claim over Bajo de Masinloc based on international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The 2016 Arbitral Award affirmed that China's claims of historic rights over the feature had no legal basis and declared the shoal a traditional fishing ground. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has reiterated its demand for compensation from China for damages and seized equipment resulting from recent incidents.

The ongoing tensions at Bajo de Masinloc underscore the persistent challenges to maritime security and stability in the South China Sea, a vital global shipping lane. The Philippines continues to call for adherence to international law and peaceful resolution of disputes, while China maintains its territorial assertions and increased presence in the region.