Rising Tensions in the South China Sea: China and Philippines Clash Near Sabina Shoal

Expansive Claims: China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, using the “nine-dash line” to demarcate its territory, a claim that has been widely disputed by other countries and rejected by the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling. Despite this, China has continued to assert its claims based on historical rights, ignoring international law as set out by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)​ RAND Analysis

In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, Chinese coast guard vessels fired water cannons and engaged in aggressive maneuvers against a Philippine fisheries boat on Sunday, leading to a collision. The incident, which took place near the disputed Sabina Shoal, is the latest in a series of confrontations between China and the Philippines in these contested waters, where both nations have increased their maritime presence amidst rising hostilities.

And look, what #ShemelessChina has to say about the incident! While CCG vessels intruded inside PH’s water, China is now blaming the Philippines! Shameful! @GordianKnotRay @PingpingTweets @ubepie5776 @SouthChinaSeas @informedph2 pic.twitter.com/5ZAObsenVQ

— Michael Turner (@Michael71T) August 25, 2024

The Chinese coast guard claims that its actions were defensive, taken after a Philippine vessel entered waters around Sabina Shoal without permission and disregarded repeated warnings. According to Chinese coast guard spokesperson Gan Yu, the Philippine ship approached “unprofessionally” and “dangerously,” resulting in a minor collision between the two vessels. Gan also accused the Philippine vessel of carrying journalists to manipulate the narrative of the confrontation.

“The responsibility is entirely on the Philippine side,” Gan declared, issuing a stern warning that the Philippines must cease its “infringement and provocation” or face consequences. He did not, however, provide details on the specific measures China might take in response.

In contrast, the Philippine government described a much more threatening scenario. A task force overseeing the nation’s territorial disputes reported that the BRP Datu Sanday, a vessel from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, was met with “aggressive and dangerous maneuvers” by eight Chinese maritime vessels as it approached Sabina Shoal. The Philippine boat, which was on a mission to deliver supplies to local fishermen, experienced engine failure due to the encounter, complicating its mission to provide essential diesel, food, and medical supplies.

NTF-WPS STATEMENT

Today, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel, BRP Datu Sanday (MMOV 3002), encountered aggressive and dangerous maneuvers from eight Chinese maritime forces while operating from Hasa-Hasa Shoal to Escoda Shoal. The actions of the Chinese… pic.twitter.com/N8WW5QkXJE

— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) August 25, 2024

According to the Philippine task force, the Chinese vessels, supported by a naval ship, conducted perilous close-quarter maneuvers, blasting horns and deploying water cannons at the Philippine vessel, jeopardizing the safety of its crew. In response to these aggressive actions, the Philippine government called on China to halt its provocations, which they argue threaten regional peace and stability, vowing to continue asserting its maritime rights.

The United States, a longstanding ally of the Philippines, quickly condemned China’s actions. U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson characterized the incident as “unsafe, unlawful, and aggressive,” stating that China’s actions had “disrupted a legal Philippine mission, endangering lives.”

WATCH: “Go away,” says a Chinese crew aboard China Coast Guard ship 21555 as the vessel hit the BRP Datu Sanday near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal. pic.twitter.com/BRGhyb0jYA

— Nestor A. Corrales (@NCorralesINQ) August 25, 2024

This latest clash underscores the growing assertiveness of China in the South China Sea, where Beijing’s expansive territorial claims have led to frequent confrontations, particularly with the Philippines. The area, rich in resources and strategic significance, is also claimed in parts by Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei, making it a hotbed of geopolitical tension.

The encounter at Sabina Shoal, which is within the Philippines’ internationally recognized exclusive economic zone and lies about 140 kilometers west of Palawan, follows a pattern of increasing maritime hostility. Just days earlier, Chinese and Philippine coast guard ships collided near the same disputed area, further intensifying the standoff. Despite an agreement reached last month to reduce confrontations at nearby Second Thomas Shoal, tensions remain high, with both nations unwilling to back down in a volatile region marked by overlapping claims and national pride.

More Information

• Aggressive Tactics: Beijing has implemented aggressive tactics to assert control over disputed areas, including the use of military-grade lasers against Philippine vessels, creating artificial islands, deploying coast guard ships, and using water cannons against other nations’ ships in the region. These actions have led to repeated confrontations with countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia​ The Diplomat
• Infrastructure and Military Buildup: China has been accused of militarizing the South China Sea by building military installations on artificial islands. The Chinese government has also been accused of building infrastructure like airstrips and ports to support military operations, further escalating tensions with its neighbors​ Asia Times
• Diplomatic and Legal Challenges: Southeast Asian nations, particularly the Philippines, have been actively seeking international diplomatic support and have engaged in joint military exercises with countries like the United States, Japan, and Australia to counter Chinese influence. The Philippines has also sought legal recourse through international tribunals to challenge China’s claims​ RAND Analysis  and The Diplomat
• Regional and International Responses: ASEAN member states have called for restraint and the respect of international law. However, there is growing frustration among some ASEAN members about the effectiveness of the regional body in addressing Chinese assertiveness, prompting calls for stronger collective action against Beijing’s claims​ Asia Times

Quotes

• Philippine Congresswoman France Castro criticized China, stating, “China is again spewing lies to counter the international backlash it is now under due to the exposure of its aggressive and dangerous actions in the [South China Sea].”
• Ambassador Romualdez, a top adviser to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., highlighted the limitations of bilateral talks with China: “The only way to do that is to have multilateral countries show force.”

Major Points

• Chinese coast guard vessels fired water cannons and collided with a Philippine fisheries boat near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea.
• China claims the actions were defensive, accusing the Philippines of unpermitted entry and dangerous maneuvers.
• The Philippines reports aggressive tactics by China, including close-quarter maneuvers and water cannon use, disrupting a supply mission.
• The U.S. condemned China’s actions as “unsafe, unlawful, and aggressive,” highlighting the risk to regional stability.
• This incident adds to escalating tensions in the resource-rich South China Sea, where multiple nations have competing territorial claims.

Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News