Philippines’ Ship Trespasses Huangyan Dao China Navy Responds

Beijing, April 20, 2025 – A spokesperson for the Southern Theater Command Navy of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has issued a statement regarding the intrusion of a Philippine naval vessel into waters surrounding Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal).

According to a statement released on the Southern Theater Command’s official WeChat account, Navy Senior Colonel Zhao Zhiwei stated that on April 20, 2025, the Philippine naval vessel, identified as the BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39), illegally entered the territorial waters of Huangyan Dao without the permission of the Chinese government.

The Southern Theater Command Navy organized its forces to track, monitor, warn, and expel the Philippine vessel in accordance with the law, Senior Colonel Zhao stated. The actions of the Philippine side seriously infringe upon China’s sovereignty and violate international law and relevant regulations.

Huangyan Dao, a submerged reef in the South China Sea, is a point of contention between China and the Philippines. China claims sovereignty over the shoal and its surrounding waters, a claim contested by the Philippines, who refer to it as Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc.

This incident marks the latest in a series of maritime disputes in the South China Sea, a region rich in resources and strategically important for international trade. China’s expansive claims in the area, often based on historical grounds, are challenged by several neighboring countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.

The PLA Southern Theater Command is responsible for safeguarding China’s interests in the South China Sea. Its response to the Philippine vessel underscores China’s firm stance on its territorial claims and its commitment to defending what it considers its sovereign rights.

The incident is likely to further strain relations between China and the Philippines, which have seen periods of both cooperation and tension in recent years. The Philippines, under its current administration, has taken a stronger stance in asserting its claims in the South China Sea, seeking international support and engaging in joint military exercises with allies.

The situation in the South China Sea remains complex and potentially volatile. While diplomatic efforts continue to seek peaceful resolutions to the disputes, the presence of military vessels and the assertion of competing claims contribute to an environment of heightened tension.

Moving Forward:

The incident highlights the urgent need for continued dialogue and the establishment of clear protocols to manage maritime encounters in the South China Sea. The full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct (COC) would be crucial steps towards promoting stability and preventing future incidents. Furthermore, all parties involved should exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate tensions in the region.

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