Chinese vessels near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal were seen moving away from the area as Typhoon Tino approached the Philippines, based on monitoring by SeaLight, a West Philippine Sea research group. Two China Coast Guard ships were tracked about 40 to 45 nautical miles from the Luzon coast, while two others stopped transmitting their positions.
The ships appeared to reposition to avoid the strongest parts of Typhoon Tino, which brought heavy rains and strong winds across Luzon. The movement followed an earlier report showing the same vessels staying near the shoal to withstand the storm.

Several Chinese maritime militia vessels were also observed near the Spratly Islands, reflecting ongoing Chinese activity across the West Philippine Sea.
China has maintained control of Panatag Shoal since 2012, enforcing its own restrictions in the area. This remains contrary to the 2016 Hague ruling that identified the shoal as a traditional fishing ground shared by the Philippines, China, and Vietnam.
