The South China Sea is growing increasingly volatile. Last year witnessed a deliberate escalation in China’s maritime pressure, a shift documented in a recent Philippine armed forces report. This isn’t accidental; it signals a willingness by Beijing to actively raise tensions in the disputed waters.
The People’s Liberation Army Navy and the China Coast Guard are now operating with unprecedented coordination. Deployments near contested islands and reefs are no longer isolated events, but a carefully orchestrated expansion of control. This synchronized approach aims to solidify China’s grip on the region.
The report reveals a stark change in China’s naval presence. Previously sporadic, PLA-N deployments in 2025 became remarkably consistent, predictable, and strategically positioned closer to areas claimed by other nations. This represents a move from occasional support to a constant, intimidating deterrent.
The Philippines finds itself directly in the path of this escalating pressure. China asserts dominion over nearly the entire South China Sea based on a controversial “nine-dash line,” a claim repeatedly rejected by the international community. A 2016 UN-backed tribunal ruled against China’s expansive claims, a decision Beijing continues to ignore.
Clashes at sea are becoming more frequent as the Philippines challenges China’s assertions. Despite this risk, Manila has actively sought to counter Beijing’s influence by strengthening ties with allies. Last year saw a significant increase in joint maritime exercises with the United States, Japan, Australia, and others – a total of twenty drills.
China consistently responds to these cooperative activities with a calculated mix of actions. Increased naval presence, aggressive maneuvers by the Coast Guard, and the deployment of Chinese maritime militia vessels near Philippine islands are now a predictable pattern. This demonstrates China’s determination to undermine Philippine-led cooperation without triggering outright conflict.
Amidst this growing tension, the Philippines is actively building a broader security network. A key component of this strategy is a new defense pact with France, nearing completion. This agreement will establish a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), facilitating closer military cooperation between the two nations.
The impending VFA with France marks a significant step for the Philippines. Once finalized, France will become the first European country to establish such an agreement with Manila. Existing VFAs are already in place with Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, with discussions ongoing with the United Kingdom.
France’s naval capabilities and commitment to regional stability make this partnership particularly valuable. Experts highlight Paris’s strong support for the Philippines in areas ranging from maritime security and modernization to environmental protection and combating disinformation. This alliance represents a crucial bolstering of the Philippines’ defensive posture.
