The Philippines is preparing new South China Sea protocols to better coordinate government agencies amid growing tensions with China. The move aims to strengthen Manila’s response to Beijing’s gray-zone activities in contested waters.
Philippine Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Andres Centino said the government is revising its rules of engagement to reflect the evolving situation at sea and in the air. “We need updated protocols that guide our law enforcement agencies in responding appropriately to China’s actions,” Centino said.
The new guidelines are part of a whole-of-government approach and will apply to multiple agencies, including the navy, coast guard, National Police Maritime Group, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. The revised rules, expected later this year, will also address the use of force and provide clear instructions for responding to illegal activities in Philippine waters.
These protocols will support two recent laws: the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. Passed in November, the laws formally define the country’s maritime boundaries and establish sea lanes for foreign vessels. Manila says these laws align domestic legislation with international standards under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“Patrolling these vast waters has become increasingly important,” Centino said. “We also need to improve our agencies’ capabilities to adapt to new challenges.”
Tensions between Manila and Beijing have been rising across the South China Sea. Chinese research vessels are now appearing on the Pacific side of Philippine waters, expanding beyond the West Philippine Sea. Incidents at sea, such as collisions near military posts and the use of laser pointers to target Philippine sailors, have intensified the need for coordinated responses.
Aerial encounters are also more frequent, particularly near Scarborough Shoal, which has been under Chinese control since a 2012 standoff. Chinese military aircraft regularly intercept Philippine government planes, escalating risks in the region.
Although a 2016 international tribunal ruling rejected China’s claims to most of the South China Sea, Beijing has ignored the decision. Instead, it has accelerated the construction of artificial islands, militarized them, and maintained a strong maritime presence.
The National Maritime Council, a 12-member coordinating body formed last year, is reviewing the new protocols. The council includes key Cabinet officials and security chiefs. Once approved, the rules will be sent to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for final endorsement and implementation.
Centino said the goal of the new protocols is to prevent escalation. “Our aim is to manage tensions carefully and avoid conflict,” he said. “If a Philippine national is killed, that is a red line. Otherwise, we are focused on cooperation with allies and even with China to keep the situation under control.”
The updated South China Sea protocols are part of Manila’s broader strategy, which also addresses illegal fishing, drug smuggling, and maritime law enforcement. The Philippines is also working to strengthen defense ties with the United States, Japan, Australia, and other partners, while pursuing support from the European Union, Britain, Germany, India, and South Korea. Visiting-forces agreements are in progress with Canada, France, and New Zealand.
To protect its exclusive economic zone, the Philippines has been upgrading its military and law enforcement capabilities. Joint naval exercises with allies have increased, signaling Manila’s readiness to collectively deter China’s aggressive actions. “Our armed forces cannot match China’s capabilities alone, so we rely on allies and partners,” Centino said.
Philippine officials have emphasized that any call for additional foreign support would come directly from the president. For now, Manila intends to continue using diplomatic channels and restraint. “We are friends to all and have no enemies,” Centino said. “But our restraint should not be mistaken for weakness. We will stand up against illegal actions while avoiding escalation.”
