Overview

• On June 20, the China Coast Guard used water cannon deterrence to expel Philippine government vessel No. 3306 from waters near Scarborough Shoal after accusing it of repeated intrusions.
• China Coast Guard spokesman Liu Dejun said the expulsion followed standard enforcement measures under China’s Coast Guard Law, including verbal warnings and close monitoring.
• On June 19, Philippine Coast Guard ships and an aircraft responded to reports of over 50 Chinese Maritime Militia vessels swarming Rozul Reef within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
• The standoffs reflect a clash between Manila’s EEZ rights upheld by a 2016 Hague arbitral award and Beijing’s expansive Nine-Dash-Line claims.
• The confrontations have prompted the Philippines to strengthen security ties with the United States, Japan and other regional partners.