Marcos Jr. expresses concern over China’s aggressive maneuvers near Panatag Shoal and Zambales

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed concern over recent dangerous maneuvers by China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels in Panatag Shoal and near Zambales.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that Manila would maintain a professional approach to the issue, allowing the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to handle it with a fearless spirit of patriotism.

On Sunday, the PCG challenged a CCG vessel detected within the country's 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone near Palauig, Zambales, which began shadowing and blocking the PCG patrol vessel BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) in an area west northwest of Capones Island.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, a PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, reported that CCG 3302 performed reckless maneuvers within 16 meters of BRP Cabra, posing a safety risk.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said China's continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea is one of the reasons why the Philippines wants to modernize its armed forces and procure fighter jets, which could be delivered in 2027 once the deal pushes through.