The Philippines and China engaged in their fifth maritime confrontation in a month in the South China Sea, specifically near the Sabina Shoal. Beijing claims a large portion of the South China Sea, which is rich in resources and sees $3 trillion worth of trade each year. The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China’s claims had no legal basis, a decision that China rejects.
During the recent clash, the Philippine Coast Guard accused China’s coast guard vessel of intentionally ramming one of the Philippines’ largest coast guard cutters, causing damage but no injuries. China’s coast guard spokesperson claimed that the Philippine ship was illegally stranded and deliberately rammed the Chinese vessel, calling for the Philippines to withdraw or face consequences.
The U.S. ambassador to the Philippines expressed support for the Philippines in the face of China’s actions, condemning the intentional ramming as a violation of international law. The Philippines had previously deployed a ship to the Sabina Shoal to monitor Chinese activities, accusing China of damaging coral reefs and blocking resupply missions for Filipino fishermen.
Additionally, the Philippines reported that Chinese aircraft engaged in unsafe maneuvers against a civilian aircraft conducting patrols over disputed areas, and that China blocked a resupply mission by using water cannons and ramming a fisheries bureau ship. Despite the escalating tensions, the Philippines vowed to continue its presence in the area and resist Chinese aggression.
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