Three Chinese Coast Guard ships were spotted just 35 nautical miles (65 km) off El Nido, Palawan morning on Sunday, February 16, 2025, according to maritime security expert Ray Powell.

Powell, a former U.S. defense official, said such patrols near Palawan are becoming more frequent as China pushes the limits of its controversial "10-dash line" claim, which overlaps with the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The three Chinese Coast Guard ships off El Nido were said to have traveled from Scarborough Shoal but left soon after their arrival.

The Philippine Coast Guard has yet to issue a statement on the incident.

China has also increased its presence in other parts of the West Philippine Sea.

Last week, a Chinese research vessel was also seen in Philippine waters, but followed protocol because they were only avoiding bad weather reportedly.

On February 2, two Chinese Coast Guard vessels were seen near Bolinao, Pangasinan.

Powell said sending three ships to Palawan, instead of the usual one or two, signals a stronger assertion of control.

“Usually, they go sort of one or maybe two at a time, so taking three ships is sending a particular message of strength,” he said in a report on GMA's 24 Oras Weekend.

The so-called "monster ship" of China is no longer in the West Philippine Sea, but nine Chinese vessels remain, Powell added.

One of these was reportedly driven away by the Philippine Coast Guard from waters off Zambales, though it still remained inside the country’s EEZ.

While China’s actions are not necessarily illegal, Powell described them as "intrusive patrols" meant to intimidate.