Published：May 27, 16:00Last updated：Jun 12, 03:20

Philippines Demands Removal of Chinese Floating Structure in Disputed Shoal

May. 27, 2026 16:00

China's Defense Ministry criticized Philippine actions in the South China Sea, accusing the country of violating China's sovereignty. The ministry emphasized China's commitment to regional stability and dismissed Philippine claims as baseless. The statement reaffirmed China's stance on protecting its territorial rights.

Summarized

13News

9Media

Jun. 11, 2026 03:41

The Philippines has recently been speculating about "new structures" appearing in the lagoon of China's Huangyan Island. On June 10, the Philippine Coast Guard held a briefing, releasing details and aerial images of the so-called floating structures. However, these structures are actually temporary scientific research facilities set up by the Chinese Academy of Sciences' South China Sea Institute of Oceanology. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has reiterated China's indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Island and its surrounding waters. The Philippines has ignored China's efforts to protect the ecological environment of the South China Sea islands and continues to engage in smear campaigns.

Jun. 12, 2026 03:20

Manila accuses Beijing of installing a floating platform in the disputed Scarborough Atoll. As the Chinese navy grows increasingly aggressive, the Philippines fears its continued presence 220 kilometers off its coast. The territorial dispute exacerbates tensions in the South China Sea.

The Philippines has formally called on China to remove a floating structure discovered at Scarborough Shoal (Huangyan Island) on June 10, 2026, escalating tensions in the disputed South China Sea waters. The 30-square-meter structure, equipped with an antenna-like device and manned by six personnel, has become the latest flashpoint between the two nations. While China claims it's a temporary ecological research facility operated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Philippines views it as an unauthorized military installation that could develop into an artificial island.Bloomberg+2

🏝️ Disputed Structure Details

The floating platform at Scarborough Shoal includes:

30 square meter surface area
Antenna-like communication device
Six personnel stationed aboard
Installed in June 2026, first reported by Philippine Coast Guard
China maintains it's part of legitimate scientific research, while the Philippines insists it violates maritime laws.Asahi Shimbun+2

🇨🇳 China's Position

China's Foreign Ministry has:

Reiterated "indisputable sovereignty" over Huangyan Island
Characterized the structure as temporary ecological research
Accused Philippines of "smear campaigns"
Cited September 2025 declaration of the area as nature reserve
The Chinese Academy of Sciences confirmed the facility belongs to its South China Sea Institute.China.org+1

🇵🇭 Philippines' Response

The Philippine government has:

Held press conferences with aerial images of the structure
Formally protested through diplomatic channels
Expressed concerns about potential militarization
Highlighted the structure's location 220km from Philippine coast
Department of Foreign Affairs demanded immediate removal.Asahi Shimbun+1

🌊 Regional Tensions

The incident occurs amid:

Increased Chinese naval patrols in the area
Ongoing sovereignty disputes since 2012
Previous Philippine victory in 2016 Hague ruling
Growing concerns about ecological impacts
Both nations show no signs of backing down from their positions.Bloomberg+1

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