New tension in the South China Sea: Manila protests against a mysterious Chinese floating structure

The Philippines has announced it has initiated diplomatic efforts with China following the discovery of a floating structure in the disputed Scarborough Shoal area of ​​the South China Sea. Manila denounces the presence as "illegal" and asserts its intention to defend its sovereignty in accordance with international law.

The Philippine task force responsible for the South China Sea has confirmed the presence of a floating structure measuring approximately six meters by six meters, equipped with what appears to be an antenna. The structure was observed near and then inside the Scarborough Reef lagoon, an area claimed by both the Philippines and China.

According to Philippine authorities, the most recent images collected by the armed forces suggest the facility may be occupied. However, officials did not specify when the images were taken or what the structure's exact function was.

The Philippine government stated that its Department of Foreign Affairs had taken the diplomatic steps it deemed appropriate in response to the situation. In a statement, the authorities affirmed that defending the country's national interests, sovereignty, and jurisdiction remained their top priority.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro had already mentioned the presence of this structure at the end of May, on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore.

Philippine authorities are continuing to monitor the area to assess the exact nature of the installation, its purpose, and its potential strategic implications. They reaffirm that Scarborough Shoal falls within the maritime zone under Philippine jurisdiction according to international law.

This incident comes amid persistent tensions in the South China Sea, where several states in the region are challenging Beijing’s territorial claims over resource-rich areas that are strategically important for global maritime trade.