A suspected piece of Chinese rocket debris was discovered in a pond in the Philippines.

Footage shows the large metallic object resting in the waters off Pangasinan, Sulu, on December 30.

The Philippine Coast Guard said a local fisherman found the object near Suang Bunah village, and it appeared to bear markings resembling the Chinese flag.

Authorities said in a statement: 'The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported the recovery of an alleged rocket debris found floating in the vicinity waters off Barangay Suang Bunah, Pangutaran, Sulu, on January 1, 2026.

'According to the Pangutaran Municipal Police Station, a fisherfolk recovered and towed the alleged rocket debris on December 30, 2025.

'The recovered debris is currently under the custody of Barangay Suang Bunah, the Coast Guard Sub-Station Pangutaran stated.

'The Coast Guard Station Western Sulu is coordinating with the concerned barangay for the possible transfer of the recovered debris to the PCG for proper handling and disposition.

'The PCG reiterates its call for the public to remain vigilant and report any unusual objects sighted at sea to ensure public safety.'

Space colonisation efforts have gained momentum in recent years, driven by both private enterprises - like Elon Musk's SpaceX - and governments aiming to establish permanent habitats beyond Earth.

This includes the strategic use of Earth's orbit for satellites and other space infrastructure, such as the Starlink internet satellites and GPS technology.

However, space colonisation is also being driven by the hunt for raw earth metals and other as yet undiscovered substances that could aid life on Earth.

Some proponents also envision creating self-sustaining communities on other planets, moons, or within space stations.

Supporters claim the ultimate goal is to expand humanity's presence in space, ensuring long-term survival and reducing dependence on Earth.