The Philippines has officially protested China over a floating structure detected at Scarborough Shoal. The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) announced this diplomatic action on June 9, 2026.
Details of the Incident
The Department of Foreign Affairs has taken steps to address the issue with the Chinese government. The NTF-WPS reported that aerial surveillance confirmed a platform roughly six meters by six meters, resembling an antenna-equipped structure.
The protection of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction remains a paramount consideration.
National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea
Recent satellite images from May 28 also indicated personnel aboard the structure, intensifying concerns regarding its purpose. The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed ongoing monitoring efforts.
- Floating platform measures approximately six meters by six meters.
- Personnel sighted on the structure raise concerns over its function.
General Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), revealed that the structure was identified during a routine aerial surveillance mission. He warned against any permanent construction at the shoal, a site of previous territorial disputes.
Scarborough Shoal, located about 220 kilometers from Luzon, has been under Chinese control since a standoff in 2012. This area is part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, which China claims almost entirely.
The Philippines continues to advocate for its rights in these waters, following a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China's expansive claims. The government is also pursuing diplomatic channels to seek international support.
In response to the situation, the AFP plans to deploy ships for further monitoring, emphasizing the need for vigilance in protecting national sovereignty.