Philippines

South China Sea: Maritime Tensions Rise Between PRC, Philippines

Published DEC 11 2023

Story

Image credit: Jes Aznar/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

A Philippine boat and a Chinese ship collided on Sunday in the disputed South China Sea near Second Thomas Shoal — a day after Manila accused Beijing of using water cannons to block three of its vessels.
BBC News
The three incidents with water cannons Saturday took place near Scarborough Shoal, which is claimed by the Philippines but occupied by the PRC. In two separate incidents earlier this year, the Philippines also accused China of using water cannons near Second Thomas Shoal.
South China Morning Post
According to the Chinese Coast Guard, the Philippine vessels on Saturday had "illegally intruded" and it had just taken "control measures" in its offshore waters, citing legal authority.
CNN
The Philippines alleged that Chinese ships had fired water cannons and rammed into its resupply vessels and a coast guard ship. The Philippines alleges that one ship suffered significant damage to its engine.
Reuters
Meanwhile, the US has condemned what it characterized as the PRC's "illegal and irresponsible actions," which the US ambassador to Manila claims "undermines regional stability in defiance of a free and open Indo-Pacific."
ITV News

Sources Split

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The Spin

Anti-China narrative

The Philippines' maritime territorial rights are recognized by almost the entire world — except China. The PRC must know that the world is watching and find a peaceful solution to the dispute. Beijing must follow the norms of the rules-based international order and respect maritime security in the South China Sea.

The Washington Examiner

Pro-China narrative

Even Western historians have long acknowledged China's historic activity in the South China Sea. China's claims to sovereignty over territories in the region are based on these historical facts — something even Japanese official maps have often shown. Therefore, the Philippines' raising of disputes over this and its aggressive actions are groundless and will be strongly confronted. Western hegemony is creating instability in the region.

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