On Sunday, April 20, 2025, China’s Southern Theatre Navy announced that a warship from the Philippines, described as a frigate, had entered the waters near Scarborough Shoal. According to the Chinese navy, this action was considered an “illegal intrusion” into an area that China claims as part of its territory in the South China Sea.
Concerned About Scarborough Shoal Incident, Chinese Navy
Scarborough Shoal is a group of rocky islands and reefs located in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. The Philippines and China both assert sovereignty over this region. China has long declared Scarborough Shoal as part of its territory, while the Philippines maintains it is within their exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The Chinese navy said the Philippine vessel’s presence near the shoal was a serious violation of China’s laws and territorial rights. The statement accused the Philippine side of provocation and characterized the action as an infringement on Chinese sovereignty. The Chinese naval forces responded by closely monitoring the vessel and eventually driving it away from the area.
This is not the first time Scarborough Shoal has been the focus of tension. For more than ten years, it has been in the center of the South China Sea conflicts. These disagreements are mainly about fishing rights, territorial claims, and freedom of navigation. Despite international attention, the situation around the shoal has remained sensitive and often tense.
Navy Statement Urges Immediate End to “Provocations”
The Philippine military vessel had approached and entered the waters surrounding Scarborough Shoal without authorization, the Chinese navy said in an official statement. The Chinese navy’s Southern Theatre Command, which is responsible for military operations in the area, called the entry a clear violation of Chinese laws and maritime boundaries.
In response, Chinese naval units were dispatched to monitor the vessel’s movements. The Chinese military claimed they followed all necessary steps to ensure the vessel left the area. The operation was described as professional and controlled.
The Chinese navy spokesperson urged the Philippines to stop what it called “infringement and provocation” activities in the South China Sea. The statement emphasized that Chinese forces would remain alert and continue to protect their territorial waters. The navy warned that any repeated actions like this could lead to further tensions.
So far, there has been no official response from the Philippine government or its navy regarding this specific incident. The Philippine embassy in China has not issued a comment.
The South China Sea, including Scarborough Shoal, remains one of the most heavily disputed maritime zones in the world. China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei are among the nations with overlapping claims in the area. These disputes often lead to stand-offs at sea and raise concerns among neighboring nations and the global community.
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History of Dispute and Ongoing Naval Patrols
Scarborough Shoal lies about 120 nautical miles west of Luzon and is known for its rich marine resources and strategic location along vital sea routes. China has increased its presence in the area through patrols and coast guard deployments, while the Philippines asserts it lies within its exclusive economic zone under international law.
Tensions between the two nations have persisted, with previous incidents involving fishing boats, coast guard, and naval vessels. Despite talks in the past, disputes remain unresolved. Due to overlapping claims and regular naval activity, the South China Sea remains a flashpoint.
China claimed to have driven away a Philippine frigate that allegedly entered the waters near Scarborough Shoal without authorization. While no damage or conflict was reported, the Chinese navy condemned the act as a violation of its sovereignty and called for an immediate halt to such actions, warning the Philippines to avoid further provocation in the disputed area.