On September 18, 2026, China attacked the BRP Datu Magat Salamat (MMOV 3015), a vessel belonging to the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. This incident occurred 54 miles off the coast of Palawan and signifies an escalation of tensions in the South China Sea. The attack took place while Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr. was delivering a speech about the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in The Hague, which dismissed Beijing's historical claims as baseless.
Details of the Attack and Reactions
This incident followed a military note from the Chinese embassy in Seoul instructing the Philippine Defense Minister to stop his speech. Minister Teodoro ignored this directive and read the text of the note to the audience, calling it "real pressure, bullying, and aggression." His speech was warmly received by the audience and positioned him as a serious contender for the 2028 presidential election.
Philippine Military Developments in Response to Tensions
The Philippines' approach to dealing with China over conflicting claims regarding disputed islands has not significantly changed. The country continues to adhere to a policy of caution while also increasing its military expenditures. The Philippine Navy commissioned its second Miguel Malvar-class destroyer, BRP Diego Silang (FFG07), in December 2025 and is seeking to order two more destroyers. Additionally, Hyundai is building six patrol vessels for the Philippine Navy, two of which are currently undergoing sea trials in South Korea.
Furthermore, Japan has offered to transfer six multipurpose Abukuma-class destroyers to the Philippines and has also provided several Beechcraft TC-90 maritime surveillance aircraft. These developments are part of the Horizon 2 modernization program initiated by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in June 2018.
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