Philippine Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said their mobile phones displayed a “Welcome to CHINA” message while they were on Thitu Island in the disputed South China Sea on Saturday. The officials described the alert as part of ongoing intimidation efforts by Beijing in contested waters.

Thitu Island, known internationally as part of the Spratly Islands, is referred to by Filipinos as Pag-asa and is located within what Manila calls the Kalayaan Island Group. The island spans roughly 0.37 square miles and has been occupied by the Philippines since 1974. It is home to approximately 400 civilian residents and serves as a key Philippine outpost in the region.

The People's Republic of China claims most of the South China Sea, though an international tribunal in 2016 rejected Beijing’s sweeping territorial assertions. China has continued to assert control through maritime patrols, infrastructure expansion, and confrontations with Philippine vessels, including near Second Thomas Shoal.

Residents of Thitu have reported increased pressure from Chinese vessels and aircraft, including patrol ships shadowing local boats and drones flying overhead. Fishermen said they often avoid certain waters to prevent confrontations with larger Chinese ships.

Hontiveros visited the island to signal Manila’s continued commitment to maintaining its presence there. Chinese naval and coast guard vessels were reportedly visible near the island as her plane approached.

“We will never give up the Kalayaan Island Group, including Pag-asa,” Hontiveros told residents, calling for sustained diplomatic coordination with the United States and other regional partners.