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The Philippine Navy reported a collision between a Chinese Coast Guard vessel and a People's Liberation Army-Navy warship at Panatag Shoal, underscoring China's escalating military presence in the West Philippine Sea. In early January, 41 Chinese assets were monitored, including 24 vessels, marking an increase from the previous month, while the proximity of Chinese ships to joint military drills has notably decreased. Plans for increased multilateral engagements are set for 2026.