MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has lodged a diplomatic protest against China over the reported presence of a floating structure inside and near the lagoon of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), raising fresh concerns about Beijing’s continuing activities in the disputed waters of the West Philippine Sea. (Reuters)

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) confirmed that Philippine authorities detected a floating structure measuring approximately six meters by six meters equipped with what appeared to be an antenna. The structure was initially observed near the entrance of the shoal before later being spotted inside the lagoon. Philippine military and coast guard personnel also reported indications that the structure may have been manned. (Reuters)

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it had undertaken “appropriate diplomatic action” regarding what Philippine authorities described as the illegal presence of the structure within an area that falls inside the country’s exclusive economic zone. The government reiterated its commitment to defending Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime jurisdiction in accordance with international law. (Reuters)

The development has intensified concerns among Philippine security officials who fear the floating structure could represent another step in China’s gradual consolidation of control over the strategically important shoal. Philippine authorities are currently assessing the nature, purpose, and potential implications of the installation. (AP News)

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier disclosed that reports regarding the structure were being validated through various surveillance and intelligence-gathering platforms. He stressed that any activity affecting Philippine sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea is being closely monitored by government agencies. (Reuters)

China, however, dismissed Manila’s concerns and reiterated its claim of “indisputable sovereignty” over what it calls Huangyan Island. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said activities conducted by Beijing in the area, including scientific research, are legitimate exercises of sovereign rights. (AP News)

Satellite imagery reviewed by international analysts confirmed the presence of the structure and associated floating barriers near the shoal during the latter part of May. However, subsequent images taken in early June appeared to show that the structure had either been relocated or removed. Despite this, Philippine authorities maintained that the incident warranted diplomatic action and heightened monitoring. (Reuters)

Bajo de Masinloc, located approximately 200 kilometers west of Zambales, has remained one of the most contentious flashpoints in the South China Sea since China effectively took control of the area following a 2012 maritime standoff with the Philippines. The shoal lies within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone and was the subject of a landmark 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea. Beijing, however, continues to reject the ruling. (Reuters)

The latest incident follows a series of recent confrontations involving Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels operating around Bajo de Masinloc, fueling concerns among Philippine defense officials that China may be pursuing incremental measures to strengthen its effective control over the disputed feature. (Reuters)

Philippine officials have vowed to continue asserting the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea while pursuing diplomatic and legal measures to challenge activities viewed as inconsistent with international law. (Reuters)