UPDATE: China has deployed a naval supply vessel to bolster its coast guard operations in the South China Sea, escalating tensions with the Philippines, a key U.S. ally. This development comes amid ongoing territorial disputes, particularly over the contested Scarborough Shoal, known as Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines.
The latest reports confirm that two vessels from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) were observed near Scarborough Shoal alongside four ships from the China Coast Guard on October 17, 2025. The deployment highlights China’s assertive posture in the region, which overlaps with maritime claims by the Philippines under a mutual defense treaty with the U.S. established in 1951.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has not yet responded to requests for comments on this military maneuver. The tensions are primarily focused on Scarborough Shoal, which lies within the Philippine exclusive economic zone but is currently under China’s control. The presence of the Chinese Coast Guard, which operates the largest maritime enforcement fleet globally, has led to frequent standoffs with Philippine forces.
Footage from ABS-CBN News captured during a Philippine Coast Guard flight shows the PLAN vessel, identified as CNS Qinghaihu (hull number 885), conducting at-sea replenishment with a coast guard ship. Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, labeled China’s recent naval training declaration within Philippine waters as “unlawful.”
This military activity is particularly alarming given the strategic significance of the South China Sea, which is a vital shipping lane and rich in natural resources. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the exclusive economic zone extends up to 230 miles from a nation’s coastline.
Naval analyst Alex Luck noted the unprecedented nature of this replenishment operation between the Chinese navy and coast guard, suggesting it reflects a shift in operational practices as the Chinese fleet expands its capabilities. “Replenishment at sea would enable Chinese coast guard units to maintain a persistent presence including in contested waters near the coastal areas of countries such as the Philippines,” he told Newsweek.
The Pentagon’s report on China’s military power further emphasizes the growing might of the China Coast Guard, stating that newer vessels are larger and capable of operating further offshore. The sustained expansion of China’s maritime forces raises concerns about future confrontations in the region.
As tensions escalate, analysts suggest that the possibility of the China Coast Guard operating its own replenishment ships in the South China Sea cannot be dismissed. The implications for regional stability and international shipping routes are significant, as the area remains a flashpoint for geopolitical conflict.
With these developments unfolding, observers worldwide should monitor the situation closely. The impact of escalating military operations in the South China Sea could have far-reaching effects on regional security and international relations.
