China’s Coast Guard Clashes with Philippine Boats in the South China Sea

Over the weekend, China’s coast guard engaged in a confrontation with Philippine boats in a disputed area of the South China Sea, signaling yet another flare-up in maritime tensions between the two nations. The incident occurred shortly after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to safeguarding Philippine access to the vast waterway, which China lays claim to, leading to escalating disputes with neighboring countries.

According to reports from the Armed Forces of the Philippines , video footage depicted a Philippine civilian vessel sustaining significant damage from the water cannon deployed by the Chinese coast guard. The Armed Forces of the Philippines accused the Chinese counterparts of executing a risky maneuver by maneuvering in front of the resupply ship before resorting to using the water cannon. Subsequently, China set up floating barriers to obstruct any further entry by vessels into the area.

The Philippine Coast Guard voiced their concerns over a Chinese coast guard vessel along with two “maritime militia” ships encircling and hindering a Philippine vessel, preventing it from reaching the resupply boat. This incident highlights the challenging dynamics between Beijing and Manila, particularly in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, situated approximately 200 kilometers off the coast of Palawan, in which the Philippines grounded the BRP Sierra Madre back in the 1990s to reinforce its territorial claim.

The recent clashes mainly revolve around resupply efforts for the marines stationed on the Sierra Madre, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines managing to successfully provide provisions despite encountering obstacles along the way. In response to the confrontation, China’s coast guard defended its actions as lawfully taken control measures against the Philippine ships, alleging illegal entry into the vicinity of Ren’ai Reef, also known as the Second Thomas Shoal.

This latest incident comes in the wake of Secretary of State Blinken’s reiteration of the US commitment to supporting the Philippines in the region. Blinken emphasized the enduring alliance between the two nations and the US obligation, dating back to a 1951 mutual defense treaty, to defend the Philippines against external aggression, including within the South China Sea.

Just a fortnight ago, a similar clash ensued when a Chinese coast guard vessel deployed a water cannon against a Philippine boat, causing damage and injuries to the crew members. These recurrent incidents underscore the mounting tensions and complex power play in the highly contested waters of the South China Sea.