Philippines probes possible new structure at disputed Scarborough Shoal
Analysts say the object appears to be under 10 meters wide and could test rules meant to limit changes on disputed features.
- On Wednesday, the Philippine government announced it is verifying reports of a possible new structure at Scarborough Shoal, with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea undertaking validation measures to determine its nature and circumstances.
- Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. acknowledged receiving "raw information" about the development while attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, noting the shoal has effectively remained under Chinese control since a 2012 standoff with the Philippine Navy.
- Maritime transparency initiative SeaLight released satellite imagery showing a small reflective object near the shoal's lagoon entrance; captured on May 26 and May 28, the object appears less than 32 feet in diameter.
- Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines , reported monitoring 82 Chinese vessels in May, including 39 near the shoal, characterizing the activities as "illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive."
- If confirmed as a fixed installation, the object could violate the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, according to SeaLight Director Ray Powell, while the Philippines remains steadfast in upholding international law.
9 Articles
9 Articles
Chinese Embassy mum on Bajo de Masinloc, says 4th round of talks with PH set
China is preparing for the fourth round of talks with the Philippines, Ambassador Jing Quan said, his remarks coinciding with reports of a structure being built by China at Bajo de Masinloc.
Philippines probes possible new structure at disputed Scarborough Shoal
A special Philippine task force said on Wednesday that it is investigating reports of an alleged new structure on the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, adding that it takes seriously any development that may affect the country's sovereign rights.
Possible new structure at Bajo de Masinloc raises concerns about South China Sea activities
COMMERCIAL satellite imagery showed a small “possible structure” at Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), according to analysis released by US-based maritime transparency initiative SeaLight, raising fresh questions over possible new activity in the contested area.SeaLight said it obtained commercial satellite imagery captured on May 28, 2026, via partners at the Satellogic platform, accessed through the SkyfiApp.The imagery showed the southern …
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