In a display of rising tensions in the South China Sea, the United States has warned that an attack on Philippine vessels or aircraft would trigger a defense response from Washington (Al Jazeera). Recently, a Chinese Coast Guard ship was involved in a near-collision with a Philippine patrol vessel after it was blocked in the South China Sea (BBC). This incident has led the Philippines to accuse China’s coast guard of engaging in “dangerous maneuvers” and “aggressive tactics” (Reuters).
Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, ignoring an international ruling that states its assertion has no legal basis (Hindustan Times). The Philippines has continually called on Beijing to stop its “aggressive activities” in the disputed waters (Hindustan Times). The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that two of its vessels had been involved in a “confrontation” with the Chinese navy in the South China Sea (Al Jazeera).
In a separate incident, the BBC had rare access to a Philippine Coast Guard ship when it was blocked by the Chinese Coast Guard (BBC). Furthermore, Filipino diplomats confronted Chinese officials in closed-door talks recently with protests over China’s activities in the region (AP News).
The situation in the South China Sea continues to escalate, with China’s aggressive tactics being met with concern from neighboring countries and the United States. As tensions rise, it remains to be seen how both sides will respond to potential confrontations in the future.
