BEIJING, Dec 5 (Alliance News): The China Coast Guard has released footage showing a dangerous encounter in the South China Sea involving a Philippine ship, 3003, which reportedly approached the Chinese Coast Guard ship, 3302, causing a collision.
This incident comes amid other actions by Philippine vessels, including unauthorized gatherings near China’s Nansha Islands and attempts to enter waters around Huangyan Islands.
Chinese media have attributed these provocations to several factors. On November 8, Philippine President Marcos signed legislation that illegally claims parts of China’s Nansha and Huangyan Islands, along with their waters, as Philippine maritime territory.
Additionally, the United States’ recent deployment of a “Second Thomas Shoal Task Force” with U.S. troops to the Philippines has likely encouraged the Philippine government to escalate tensions.
Analysts believe that these actions aim to heighten regional disputes to discredit China, divert domestic attention from internal issues, and foster an environment that may attract greater support from the incoming U.S. administration.
The Philippines’ moves are seen as an effort to align more closely with U.S. interests while signaling concern over its strategic ties.
China has stated that these provocations will not undermine regional peace or maritime freedom in the South China Sea.
It also criticized outside nations that support the Philippines’ claims, arguing that such stances do not reflect the broader international consensus and contradict ASEAN’s collective desire for stability in the region.
