China-Philippines South China Sea Dispute Escalates

Chinese state media warns of 'extremely dangerous' provocations as Manila bolsters military ties with Japan and the U.S..

Chinese state media warns the Philippines that ‘provocations’ in South China Sea are ‘extremely dangerous’ and accuses the United States of encouraging the Philippines’ “provocative” actions.
The Philippines has accused China of ramming a supply boat that was carrying Manila’s chief of staff near Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed territory in the South China Sea.
China claims Second Thomas Shoal and almost the entire South China Sea on the basis of its “nine-dash line”. An international tribunal ruled in 2016 that the map provided no legal basis for China’s claim.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that any miscalculation in the dispute with the Philippines would bring a resolute response from China.
The souring of bilateral ties coincides with Manila bolstering military relations with Japan and the United States, its former colonial power and defence ally of seven decades.