フィリピンの西フィリピン海に関する国家タスクフォースは火曜日、航空監視の結果、スカボロー礁の内部で6メートル四方の浮体式プラットフォームを確認したと発表した。同プラットフォームには人が乗っており、アンテナとみられるという。
同タスクフォースによると、この構造物は紛争中の岩礁内に位置しており、中国では黄岩島、フィリピンではパナタグ礁と呼ばれている。政府機関は今後も状況を監視し、この設置物の性質、目的、影響について評価を行うとしている。マニラの外務省は、北京側の対応当局に対して適切な外交的措置を講じた。中国外務省は、スカボロー礁における科学研究などの活動を行うことは中国の正当な権利であると主張している。
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said the Philippines is checking reports that China has built structures at Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. The area continues to be monitored closely by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
AIによるレポート
Satellite images confirmed a possible structure at the entrance of Scarborough Shoal in late May 2026, though it was no longer visible by June 1.
Filipino and Chinese diplomats are meeting in Quanzhou from March 27 to 28 for the Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations and the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs said the talks are for frank exchanges on bilateral issues and exploring cooperation in non-sensitive areas.
AIによるレポート
The Philippine Coast Guard has distanced itself from a supposed maritime cooperation deal with China, including joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea, as announced by the Chinese ambassador. Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said the PCG is not involved in crafting such plans. Tensions persist following incidents involving Chinese forces.
A Taiwanese group in the Philippines has accused China of weaponizing international airspace after African nations denied overflight clearance to President Lai Ching-te, canceling his trip to Eswatini. The Taiwanese Association of the Philippines called it political coercion that undermines global norms. It linked the incident to tensions in the West Philippine Sea.