Tensions in the South China Sea have flared once again after Chinese coastguard vessels were accused of executing "dangerous" manoeuvres near Philippine ships, resulting in collisions. The incident, which occurred near the contested Second Thomas Shoal, has drawn sharp condemnation from Manila.
What Happened?
According to Philippine officials, two Chinese coastguard ships and a militia vessel "intentionally" blocked and collided with Philippine boats conducting a resupply mission to Filipino troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, a rusting warship deliberately grounded in the disputed waters.
Philippines Condemns 'Aggressive' Actions
The Philippine government labelled the incident as "provocative and reckless", accusing Beijing of violating international maritime laws. The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea stated that the collisions were deliberate attempts to disrupt Manila's sovereign operations.
China's Response
Beijing, however, denied any wrongdoing, claiming its vessels acted "professionally and lawfully" to prevent what it called an "illegal intrusion" into Chinese waters. The Chinese foreign ministry reiterated its stance that the Second Thomas Shoal is part of its territory.
Why This Matters
The South China Sea remains a geopolitical flashpoint, with multiple nations, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, asserting competing claims. The latest incident risks further straining relations between Manila and Beijing, particularly as the Philippines strengthens ties with the US.
International Reactions
The US State Department swiftly condemned China's actions, calling them "destabilising" and reaffirming support for the Philippines under their mutual defence treaty. Meanwhile, regional analysts warn that such confrontations could escalate into larger conflicts if diplomatic solutions aren’t prioritised.
