Decrease in Chinese Maritime Militia Presence in West Philippine Sea

On July 10, 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported a significant reduction in the number of Chinese maritime militia vessels operating in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), attributing this decline to adverse weather conditions in the region. Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson for the WPS, stated during a media forum that "due to the very bad weather in the WPS, even the Chinese maritime militia that were swarming in those areas have significantly decreased." Notably, he highlighted that the previously observed swarming activity at Rozul Reef and Hasa-Hasa Shoal has markedly diminished.

The situation in the WPS remains dynamic, as the Philippine Navy noted an increase in the presence of Chinese vessels earlier in June 2025. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the Navy regarding the WPS, reported a total of 49 Chinese vessels, including those from the China Coast Guard (CCG) and the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), had been monitored in the area. This was a peak figure compared to previous months, with only 11 vessels reported in January and rising numbers through the following months—9 in February, 35 in March, 31 in April, and 41 in May. Trinidad clarified that these vessels were not permanently stationed but were observed moving in and out of various features.

The backdrop to these maritime activities is the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where Beijing asserts extensive claims over waters that are also contested by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. The Philippine government has formally designated parts of this contested region as the West Philippine Sea to assert its sovereignty. This designation refers to maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, encompassing the Luzon Sea and surrounding waters, including the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.

In a landmark ruling in July 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, stating that China’s claims in the South China Sea had "no legal basis." However, China has consistently rejected this ruling, maintaining its assertive stance in the region.

The significant presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels has raised concerns over fishing rights, resource exploitation, and the safety of navigation in these crucial waters, which facilitate over $3 trillion in annual maritime trade. As geopolitical tensions persist, the situation remains fluid, with adverse weather impacting the operational capabilities of the maritime militia while highlighting the ongoing complexities of maritime security in the WPS.

Looking ahead, analysts suggest that fluctuations in the presence of Chinese vessels may continue as seasonal weather patterns shift. The Philippine government, alongside its allies, remains vigilant in monitoring these developments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sovereignty in the face of regional challenges. Furthermore, the international community continues to advocate for adherence to international law in resolving maritime disputes, fostering a dialogue aimed at peace and stability in the region.