China-Philippines Maritime Clash Escalates in Disputed South China Sea Waters

Chinese coast guard and navy vessels confront Philippine patrol ships near Scarborough Shoal, drawing U.S. condemnation and fueling regional tensions.

Chinese vessels used water cannons and dangerous maneuvers against Philippine patrol ships near Scarborough Shoal, a disputed area in the South China Sea.
The Philippines accused China of sideswiping one of its vessels and blocking its routine patrols to protect local fishermen in its exclusive economic zone.
China claims Scarborough Shoal as its territory, asserting its actions were lawful, while the Philippines and the U.S. denounce them as illegal and provocative.
The U.S. reaffirmed its defense treaty with the Philippines, condemning China's actions and emphasizing support for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
This clash follows heightened tensions as China recently submitted new territorial baselines to the UN, which the Philippines has rejected as baseless under international law.