Philippines and China Escalate Maritime Tensions Over Scarborough Shoal

Recent legislative actions and military drills intensify the long-standing territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

The Philippines successfully resupplied its outpost at Second Thomas Shoal without confrontation, following a rare agreement with China.
China's military conducted sea and air patrols around Scarborough Shoal, reinforcing its claims against Philippine protests.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed laws affirming maritime boundaries, drawing criticism from Beijing.
The Philippines summoned China's ambassador in protest of new baselines drawn by China around Scarborough Shoal.
The U.S. and other countries have expressed support for the Philippines' legislative measures to assert its maritime rights.