28th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – South China Sea: The State Of Play
MGen. Nestor Herico emphasized the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, where overlapping territorial claims have led to conflicts between China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The region remains a critical hub for global trade, energy resources, and military strategy, attracting interest from major powers like the United States. Despite the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s nine-dash line and deemed its reclamation activities illegal, Beijing continues to reject the decision and employs grey zone tactics—Illegal, Coercive, Aggressive, and Deceptive (ICAD) activities—to assert dominance. These include harassment of Philippine vessels, use of water cannons against the Philippine Coast Guard, and militarization of key maritime features like Subi Reef near Pag-asa Island.
China’s militarization of artificial islands and large-scale reclamation projects have severely damaged marine ecosystems and disrupted the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen. Additionally, cyber operations and misinformation campaigns pose increasing threats to Philippine national security. A recent case involving a Chinese national arrested for espionage highlights the growing risks, as the suspects allegedly targeted critical infrastructure. In response, the Philippine government is reinforcing its diplomatic, political, and military strategies, expanding information campaigns, and enacting legislative measures. Strengthening international alliances, particularly trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan, is a key part of the country’s approach, alongside maintaining diplomatic channels with China to manage tensions.
Transparency and legal frameworks remain top priorities in asserting Philippine sovereignty. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently signed the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, which establish clear guidelines for protecting national interests while allowing safe passage for foreign vessels. The government also continues operations like the successful reprovisioning of BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, which the Armed Forces of the Philippines hailed as a diplomatic and operational victory. Additionally, joint military training exercises with allied nations, including casualty response drills and heavy weapons training, aim to enhance the country’s defense posture and readiness against external threats.
