China Warns Philippines Amid Escalating South China Sea Tensions

Philippine Officials Seek Joint Patrols with Other Nations as Beijing Disregards Hague Tribunal Ruling

China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, has warned the Philippines to 'act with caution' amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, stating that the bilateral relationship is at a 'crossroads'.
Recent confrontations have centered on Philippine attempts to deliver supplies to a grounded ship functioning as a military outpost in the Second Thomas Shoal, with Chinese forces aiming to prevent the delivery.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stated that the country needs a 'paradigm shift' in its approach to the South China Sea, as diplomatic efforts with Beijing are heading 'in a poor direction'.
Philippine officials are working towards joint patrols with other nations interested in free access to the South China Sea, including France, India, Canada, the U.K., and New Zealand.
China's claims in the South China Sea have been dismissed by a tribunal at The Hague in 2016, but Beijing has disregarded the ruling, leading to potential for conflict between China and the United States, which has a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines.