Chinese Rocket Debris Falls in Philippines’ Home Waters: A Pattern of Disregard for Our West Philippine Sea

Article by J. Salazar

Published on June 20, 2026 06:30AM

The waters off Palawan, near Rozul Reef in the West Philippine Sea, are not China’s testing grounds. Yet again, Filipino fishermen, coast guard vessels, and coastal communities in Puerto Princesa and Quezon, Palawan are being warned to brace for unburned debris from a Chinese Long March 3B rocket that splashed into our exclusive economic zone. ¹ ²

On Tuesday night, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) issued an advisory confirming that debris from China’s June 16 launch, launched from Xichang in Sichuan at 5:45 p.m., was projected to fall within drop zones 102 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, 108 NM from Quezon, Palawan, and 33 NM from Rozul Reef, all squarely inside the Philippines’ EEZ. ¹ ²

This Isn’t the First Time. A Repeated Threat to Filipino Mariners

The Philippines has warned of Chinese rocket debris in the West Philippine Sea multiple times in recent years. Records of Chinese rocket launches have repeatedly resulted in debris drop zones located in or near areas of Philippine maritime jurisdiction. In November 2023, debris from a Long March 3B launch was projected to fall approximately 137 kilometers from Ayungin Shoal and 200 kilometers from Quezon, Palawan, prompting the issuance of an advisory by the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA). In January 2025, a Long March 8A launch designated a debris drop zone approximately 85 nautical miles from Rozul Reef and 40 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, as reported by GMA Network. Subsequently, in August 2025, debris from a Long March 12 rocket reportedly descended into Philippine archipelagic waters, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. These incidents underscore the recurring proximity of foreign rocket debris activities to Philippine territorial and maritime areas, highlighting concerns regarding navigational safety, environmental protection, and the potential risks posed to coastal and maritime communities. ¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵ ⁶

Fishermen have already been barred from sailing near Rozul Reef and waters off Puerto Princesa during previous debris warnings due to the risk of vessel damage. ³

China’s “Uncontrolled Re-Entry” Risk: A Known Danger

PhilSA cautioned that “the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out”. ¹ This is not an abstract concern.

In 2022, debris from a Long March rocket that launched part of China’s space station fell in western Philippines with no reported damage, but NASA had previously accused Beijing of “failing to meet responsible standards regarding their space debris” after a 2021 rocket landed in the Indian Ocean. In May 2025, suspected Chinese rocket debris was retrieved off Mindoro and Palawan for the second time that year, fueling criticism that China “is not taking sufficient steps to reduce the risk of accidents”. ⁶ The Department of Foreign Affairs in August 2025 formally stated “The Philippines notes with concern China’s launch... which resulted in debris falling into Philippine archipelagic waters”. ⁴

Toxic Debris Washing Toward Our Coasts

PhilSA warned that falling debris poses danger to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels passing through the drop zone, and that debris may float and wash toward nearby coasts. The agency explicitly cautioned against retrieving debris, which may contain toxic rocket fuel remnants. ¹ ³

This is especially critical for island provinces like Palawan, Basilan, and Sulu, whose communities depend on safe fishing grounds. In January 2025, the Office of Civil Defense placed Palawan and Basilan “on alert” and temporarily barred fishermen from sailing near Rozul Reef and Puerto Princesa. ³ ⁸

The Philippines’ Call for Coordinated Protocols, Sovereignty in Space and Sea

PhilSA reiterated its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted and to avoid close contact. The agency also stated that the Philippines is inviting international partners “to explore how our region can develop coordinated protocols and capabilities that protect both our space assets and our people on the ground”. ¹

This is more than a space safety issue. It is a sovereignty issue. The drop zones lie within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, near contested features like Rozul Reef and Ayungin Shoal (also known as Brutus Bank/Recto Bank). ¹ ³

As the Straits Times reported in November 2024, when a Chinese vessel “forcefully retrieved” suspected rocket debris being towed by the Philippine Navy near Pag-asa Island, the incident further strained ties and underscored China’s disregard for Philippine maritime rights. ⁸

The Bottom Line, Our Waters, Our Responsibility

China continues to launch rockets with debris falling into Philippine waters—near Palawan, Rozul Reef, Ayungin Shoal, and Tubbataha Reefs, without adequate coordination or accountability. ¹ ³ ⁸ The Philippines, through PhilSA and the DFA, has repeatedly raised concern, warned its citizens, and called for international cooperation to protect our people and our sea. ¹ ⁴

For Filipino fishermen sailing off Puerto Princesa, for coastal families in Quezon, Palawan, and for mariners near Rozul Reef, the message is clear, these waters are ours, and we must remain vigilant when foreign rockets turn our home waters into drop zones.

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Notes:

¹ PhilSA official advisory on Long March 3B drop zones

² GMA Network: “PhilSA warns of debris from Chinese rocket launch in parts of West Philippine Sea” (June 15, 2026)

³ GMA Network: “OCD: Palawan, Basilan on alert for China rocket debris” (Jan 24, 2025)

⁴ Philippine Daily Inquirer: “PH raises concern over China rocket debris in Philippine waters” (Aug 5, 2025)

⁵ GMA Network: "PCG warns of China rocket debris off Ilocos Norte, Cagayan" (June 23, 2026)

⁶ Kyodo News: “Suspected Chinese rocket debris found off Philippines” (May 25, 2025)

⁷ The Straits Times: “Philippines asks China to explain rocket debris incident in South China Sea” (Nov 25, 2024)

⁸ Daily Tribune: “PhilSA warns vs China rocket launch debris” (Oct 23, 2025) ⁸