Rising Tensions Between China and Philippines in South China Sea
Tensions persist in the South China Sea as confrontations between China and the Philippines continue, despite efforts by both nations to improve the management of their maritime dispute.
The territorial dispute between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea has grown increasingly violent, with both sides accusing each other of deliberate boat collisions. Manila has also alleged that Chinese coastguard personnel have used water cannons against Filipino troops and engaged in physical altercations involving spears and knives.
In August alone, six confrontations were reported at sea and in the air, primarily around Scarborough Shoal and Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands. These areas lie within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) but are also claimed by China as part of its territory.
These clashes persist despite recent attempts by Beijing and Manila to manage their maritime disputes more effectively. Tensions have been heightened since a violent altercation in June that left a Filipino sailor injured.
China has blamed the Philippines for the confrontations, accusing its troops of "illegally" entering Chinese territory. In September, Beijing warned that relations with Manila were "at a crossroads" and urged the Philippines to reconsider its actions.
The escalating tensions risk drawing in the United States, which has a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines. Washington has pledged to defend Manila against any armed attacks on its forces, including coastguard personnel, aircraft, or public vessels, anywhere in the South China Sea.
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