The South China Sea—or the West Philippine Sea, as the Philippines calls its area of these contested waters—has long been a hotspot of geopolitical tension.
Recently, those tensions flared again at Iroquois Reef (known as Rozul Reef to the Philippines), where Philippine fishermen reported harassment by a low-flying Chinese Navy Z-9 helicopter.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) wasted no time in responding, deploying two patrol vessels to protect its citizens and assert its sovereignty.
This incident is just one chapter in a larger, ongoing story of resource-rich waters, territorial claims, and the struggle for control in one of the world’s most strategically important regions.
A Closer Look at the Dispute
To understand why Iroquois Reef is such a big deal, it’s important to zoom out.
The West Philippine Sea falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), a 200-nautical-mile stretch of water rich in natural resources like oil, gas, and fisheries.
In fact, the area is estimated to hold 12,158 billion cubic feet of natural gas and 6,203 million barrels of oil.
It’s also a vital trade route, with over $3 trillion in goods passing through annually.
The South China Sea—or the West Philippine Sea, as the Philippines calls its area of these contested waters—has long been a hotspot of geopolitical tension.
Recently, those tensions flared again at Iroquois Reef (known as Rozul Reef to the Philippines), where Philippine fishermen reported harassment by a low-flying Chinese Navy Z-9 helicopter.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) wasted no time in responding, deploying two patrol vessels to protect its citizens and assert its sovereignty.
This incident is just one chapter in a larger, ongoing story of resource-rich waters, territorial claims, and the struggle for control in one of the world’s most strategically important regions.
A Closer Look at the Dispute
To understand why Iroquois Reef is such a big deal, it’s important to zoom out.
The West Philippine Sea falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), a 200-nautical-mile stretch of water rich in natural resources like oil, gas, and fisheries.
In fact, the area is estimated to hold 12,158 billion cubic feet of natural gas and 6,203 million barrels of oil.
It’s also a vital trade route, with over $3 trillion in goods passing through annually.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s sweeping “nine-dash line” claim over nearly the entire South China Sea. But Beijing hasn’t backed down.
Instead, China has ramped up its activities in the region, building artificial islands, deploying military assets, and harassing Filipino fishermen and vessels—moves that the Philippines and much of the international community see as clear violations of international law.
The Incident at Iroquois Reef
On November 28, Filipino fishermen documented a Chinese Z-9 helicopter flying low over the Iroquois Reef, an area critical to local livelihoods and national pride.
Whether the aircraft came from a Chinese warship or one of their artificial island bases remains unclear, but the message was clear: intimidation.
In response, the PCG deployed BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) and BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411) to protect Filipino fishermen and assert a continued presence at the reef.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson, emphasized that this wasn’t just about safeguarding lives; it was also about proving to the world that Filipinos have a right to fish in their own waters.
“This deployment… [shows] the firm stance and commitment of the President not to surrender a square inch of our territory to any foreign power,” Tarriela said.
But it wasn’t just Iroquois Reef making headlines.
Shortly after the PCG vessels arrived, Chinese Coast Guard ship 5203 was reported conducting dangerous maneuvers near Sabina Shoal, another disputed feature.
The Philippine Coast Guard’s efforts to maintain a presence in these areas underscore how deeply rooted the conflict has become.
A History of Confrontation
Unfortunately, incidents like these are nothing new.
Back in 2019, a Chinese maritime militia vessel rammed and sank the Philippine fishing boat F/B Gem-Ver at Reed Bank, leaving 22 Filipino crew members stranded until a Vietnamese vessel came to their rescue.
Fast forward to August 2024, tensions flared again near Sabina Shoal, where multiple vessel collisions occurred.
Both the Chinese and Philippine sides accused each other of aggressive maneuvers, with reports of the Chinese Coast Guard using water cannons and lasers against Philippine ships. These events illustrate how dangerous the situation has become—not just for nations but for ordinary people trying to make a living.
China’s actions have been described by experts like Ray Powell, director of the SeaLight Project at Stanford University, as “a new kind of maritime imperialism.”
From Whitsun Reef to Second Thomas Shoal and now Iroquois Reef, Powell argues that Beijing is systematically expanding its control over every corner of the West Philippine Sea.
A Ripple Effect on the World Stage
Why does this matter beyond the Philippines? Well, for one, the stakes in the South China Sea are global.
With trillions of dollars of trade passing through these waters each year, stability in the region is critical for the world economy.
Additionally, the United States has a defense treaty with the Philippines, meaning any escalation could draw in outside powers and turn a regional dispute into a global crisis.
Filipino fishermen aren’t just fighting for their livelihoods—they’re on the frontlines of a broader battle over sovereignty, resources, and the rule of law.
While diplomatic talks continue, the Philippines is also stepping up its maritime capabilities and strengthening alliances, particularly with the US, to counter China’s growing assertiveness.
Standing Up for Sovereignty
The deployment of the PCG to Iroquois Reef is more than a response to harassment—it’s a statement. It signals that the Philippines isn’t backing down, despite facing one of the world’s most powerful nations.
With incidents like this becoming increasingly frequent, the country’s ability to maintain its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea will be a defining challenge for years to come.
As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pushes for a code of conduct in the South China Sea, the hope is that diplomacy can prevail.
But for now, the Coast Guard’s presence at Iroquois Reef serves as a reminder: the Philippines is willing to stand its ground. Whether it’s fishermen casting their nets or patrol vessels safeguarding their waters, the fight for the West Philippine Sea is far from over.
