Philippines Halts South China Sea Survey After Chinese Harassment
Chinese maritime forces reportedly engaged in aggressive maneuvers, prompting the suspension of a Philippine scientific mission near disputed Thitu Island.
- The Philippine Coast Guard reported harassment by Chinese navy and coast guard vessels, including a helicopter flying at an unsafe altitude near Philippine boats.
- The incident occurred near Thitu Island in the Spratly archipelago, an area claimed by both the Philippines and China, among others.
- Philippine vessels were conducting a marine scientific survey to collect sand samples when they faced aggressive maneuvers by Chinese ships and smaller boats.
- China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, a position invalidated by a 2016 international arbitration ruling, which Beijing does not recognize.
- The Philippine government has raised concerns over increasing Chinese maritime activities near its territories, calling them intimidation tactics.
The Independent 
CNA 
Deutsche Welle 
Associated Press 
Al Jazeera 
South China Morning Post 
