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AFP to increase West Philippine Sea operations
Chinese maritime and air activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) are anticipated to continue through 2026, with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, China Coast Guard, and maritime militia operating in a more integrated and deterrence-focused manner.
Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad stated that Chinese activity shifted from intermittent support to a persistent deterrent posture between 2024 and 2025, a trend that is expected to continue with joint patrols including Air Force bombers.
This trend persisted even as the Philippines increased its maritime cooperative activities (MCAs) with allies and partners, which the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) now considers part of its operational design.
The AFP assured the public that it will increase and sustain its operations to secure and defend the WPS, despite expecting China's continued illegal presence and activities.
Trinidad noted that the WPS situation reflects broader global geopolitical activities and that the AFP's activities are being sustained and boosted through modernization, capacity building, and maritime domain awareness.
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