Here’s what we know so far about the Philippines’ reported near crisis. A recent incident occurred when a Chinese coast guard ship used a water cannon against one of Manila’s BRP Datu Pagbuaya, operated by the bureau of fisheries. The confrontation occurred on Sunday at 9:15 AM, near Thitu Island, which is part of the disputed Spratly island group in the South China Sea. Philippine government officials say this proliferation signals a persistent strain of the long-simmering militarization blues still in the region. Confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels are an increasingly common occurrence.
The incident occurred moments after the Chinese vessel intentionally rammed the back of the Philippine ship. Fortunately, the crew of the BRP Datu Pagbuaya suffered no injuries. The impact did result in minor structural damage to the ship. This latest clash underscores the fragile situation in the South China Sea, an area rich in resources and subject to overlapping territorial claims.
Liu Dejun, a spokesperson for the Chinese coast guard, helped shed light on their understanding of this incident. He claimed that the Philippine ship “ignored repeated stern warnings from the Chinese side, and dangerously approached” their vessel. This claim obscures China’s ongoing efforts to cement its sovereignty claim over the Spratly Islands. The country has been attempting to reestablish control over this region for years at this point.
The BRP Datu Pagbuaya was on a routine patrol operation and engaged in a lawful activity when it crossed paths with the Chinese ship. The encounter started when the water cannon was first opened within only three minutes of the crash. The episode has fanned fears among Philippine leaders that their future military vessels will not be safe in these increasingly contentious waters.
In recent years, militarization and increased maneuvering in the South China Sea have escalated dangerously. Both countries often blame each other for escalatory moves. The Philippines vigorously protects its maritime interests. At the same time, China continues to bully its way into claiming sovereignty over most of this vital sea.
It’s obvious that the South China Sea will continue to be a flashpoint of geopolitical discord. The US-Philippine-China fiasco illustrates the Philippines’ difficult balancing act between China and its allies. It further highlights the increasingly complex landscape within which regional maritime security must be upheld in this critically important area.