The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is monitoring Chinese activities near Panatag Shoal, a contested territory in the South China Sea. Specifically, the AFP is focused on a Chinese floating platform conducting marine research and surveying. Philippine military officials express concern that these activities may not be solely for scientific or environmental purposes. They believe the research could provide China with valuable information that could be used for military advantage in the region. The AFP is closely analyzing the situation and has not dismissed the possibility of dual-use applications for the research. This monitoring comes amid ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China over territorial claims in the South China Sea. The Philippines maintains its sovereign rights over Panatag Shoal, despite China’s increasing presence and activities in the area.