Tensions Rise as Chinese Vessels Harass Philippine Survey Team in Disputed Waters

In a recent escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, Philippine survey operations were suspended following aggressive maneuvers by Chinese vessels near Thitu Island. On Friday, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources were conducting a marine scientific survey and sand sampling when they encountered three Chinese coast guard vessels and four smaller boats exhibiting hostile actions. The incident also involved a Chinese navy helicopter hovering at an unsafe altitude over Philippine inflatable boats, which created hazardous conditions.

The incident took place near Thitu Island, approximately 430 kilometers from the Philippine island of Palawan and over 900 kilometers from China's Hainan Island. The Filipino vessels were transporting scientists for a marine survey at a sandbar off Thitu. Despite the aggressive confrontations, no accidents occurred. The Philippine government labeled the harassment as "dangerous," prompting the suspension of survey operations.

The timing of the incident coincided with a resupply and rotation of troops on the Second Thomas Shoal, where a derelict navy vessel remains grounded to assert the Philippines' territorial claims. China, which claims nearly all of the disputed waterway, has consistently dismissed rival claims from countries like the Philippines, despite an international arbitration ruling finding China's assertions legally baseless.

The Manila coast guard expressed concern over the incident:

"creating hazardous conditions due to the propeller wash" – Manila's coast guard

Furthermore, the Philippine government has raised alarms over Chinese coast guard ships patrolling dangerously close to Luzon, the main Filipino island. This development underscores China's continued deployment of navy and coast guard vessels to restrict Philippine access to strategic reefs and islands within the South China Sea.

As tensions simmer, the Chinese foreign affairs ministry and Beijing's embassy in Manila have not provided immediate responses to requests for comment. Meanwhile, this latest confrontation highlights ongoing regional friction, with the Philippines urging international attention to China's assertive actions in disputed territories.