The Philippines has issued a warning to China regarding the removal of navigational buoys that were recently installed by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea. The move is part of the Philippines’ efforts to mark its sovereignty over the region amidst China’s increased presence and aggressive behavior. The PCG has not received any reaction from Beijing, but Vice Adm. Joseph Coyme has cautioned that any deliberate removal of the buoys would have serious consequences, which will need to be discussed thoroughly in consultation with the National Task Force for the South China Sea. The United States has also urged China to stop harassing Philippine vessels and has warned that any armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft would invoke its mutual defense treaty. In response, the Philippines is planning to install six more buoys this year to indicate the direction of safe waters and expand its maritime domain awareness in the South China Sea.