US expert: China Coast Guard intercepts 2 PH vessels in Scarborough

From an X post of Ray Powell

MANILA, Philippines — Two Philippine vessels were reportedly intercepted by two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels within the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal on Monday, according to a United States maritime expert.

Ray Powell, director of SeaLight — a program of Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation — also said that six Chinese maritime militia ships “set up blocking positions” near the location of the two CCG vessels and two Philippine ships.

“Two Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) and one Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ships deployed 25 to 30 nm (nautical miles) east of Scarborough Shoal today,” said Powell in a post on X.

READ: PCG confronts China Coast Guard on illegal patrol off Zambales

“BRP Bagacay and BRP Datu Pagbuaya have been intercepted by two China Coast Guard as a third and six maritime militia ships set up blocking positions,” he added.

Two 🇵🇭#Philippines Coast Guard & one Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources ships deployed 25-30nm east of Scarborough Shoal today. BRP Bagacay & BRP Datu Pagbuaya have been intercepted by 2 🇨🇳#China Coast Guard as a third & 6 maritime militia ships set up blocking positions. pic.twitter.com/dFQOiYTTCM

— Ray Powell (@GordianKnotRay) March 24, 2025

Reporters sought the PCG’s confirmation regarding the report, but it has yet to reply as of posting time.

Beijing’s continued aggression was based on its assertion of sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including most of the West Philippine Sea, as it continues to reject the 2016 arbitral ruling that effectively dismissed its claims and ruled in favor of Manila.