Philippine Navy conducts drills close to contested shoal during ongoing tensions with China

The Philippine Navy announced on Friday that its vessels were conducting exercises near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, following an agreement between Manila and Beijing to explore avenues for cooperation despite ongoing tensions.

The drills, centered around the Scarborough Shoal—one of the most contentious regions in Asia—aimed to bolster the navy’s ability to protect what it identifies as Philippine waters and maintain the nation’s territorial integrity, according to a navy statement.

Characterized as a “routine unilateral exercise,” the operation involved the Antonio Luna frigate along with two additional patrol ships within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The exercises are scheduled to occur from January 17 to 19.

These drills coincide with ongoing radio challenges from the Philippine Coast Guard regarding the presence of China’s largest coast guard vessel at the shoal, which the Philippines claims is conducting illegal patrols within its EEZ.

The coast guard emphasized in a statement late Thursday that if China is genuinely interested in reducing tensions and building mutual trust and cooperation, it must acknowledge the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone.

As of Friday, China’s embassy in Manila had not provided a response to requests for comment. China’s extensive territorial claims in this vital maritime trade route overlap with the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

A ruling from an international arbitral tribunal in 2016 determined that Beijing’s claims, which rely on historical maps, lack legal foundation under international law, a verdict that China rejects.

In the 10th round of discussions held on Thursday as part of a bilateral framework aimed at addressing South China Sea concerns, both China and the Philippines agreed to enhance communication and strengthen dialogue, while also addressing recent confrontations between them.

Additionally, they committed to promoting cooperation between their coast guards and in marine scientific research, while emphasizing the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means.