No China military base in Panatag, only semi-permanent presence - Navy
The Philippine Navy clarified it has detected no Chinese military base or missile deployment in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. However, Navy Spokesperson Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad confirmed the continuous "semi-permanent" presence of Chinese PLA Navy, Coast Guard, and maritime militia vessels in the area, without any observed construction of bases. Any reported missiles would be aboard these vessels.
The Philippine Navy clarified on February 24, 2026, that there is no Chinese military base or missile deployment in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc. Navy Spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad confirmed that while Chinese forces maintain a 'semi-permanent presence' through People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy), Coast Guard, and maritime militia vessels, there has been no observed construction of permanent military installations or bases in the area. Trinidad emphasized that any missiles reported would be aboard these vessels rather than deployed within the shoal itself.
The clarification came in response to claims by Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel 'Babe' Romualdez about a potential Chinese military base at the shoal. The Philippine Navy's statement was part of a broader denial by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which also refuted reports of Chinese base construction. The Navy's assessment is based on regular maritime patrols and surveillance of the area.
Panatag Shoal, located approximately 124 nautical miles off Masinloc, Zambales, has been a point of contention since a 2012 standoff between Philippine and Chinese forces. The shoal lies within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and a 2016 arbitral ruling at The Hague favored Philippine maritime rights in the area, though China has refused to acknowledge this decision.
Recent tensions have included incidents where Chinese Navy warships challenged Philippine aircraft during routine patrols near the shoal, and Philippine Coast Guard officials have reported potential signal jamming and connectivity disruptions when their vessels or aircraft enter the 24-nautical-mile zone near Bajo de Masinloc. The semi-permanent presence of Chinese vessels has created ongoing operational challenges for Philippine maritime authorities in the West Philippine Sea.
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