The Philippines announced on Saturday the suspension of a scientific survey in the South China Sea following alleged harassment and aggressive maneuvers by China's coast guard and navy, raising tensions in the disputed waters once again.
The incident occurred on Friday when two Philippine Bureau of Fisheries vessels, en route to collect sand samples from Sandy Cay near the Philippine-occupied Thitu Island, encountered what the Philippine Coast Guard described as "aggressive maneuvers" by three Chinese Coast Guard vessels. Additionally, four small boats were reportedly deployed by China to "harass" the fisheries bureau’s inflatable boats transporting personnel to Sandy Cay. A Chinese navy helicopter also hovered at what was described as an "unsafe altitude" over the Philippine craft.
In a statement, the Philippine Coast Guard condemned the "continuous harassment and disregard for safety exhibited by the Chinese maritime forces," which forced the suspension of the survey operations. The mission was a collaboration between the fisheries bureau and the coast guard aimed at conducting scientific research in the contested area.
The Chinese embassy in Manila has not issued a comment on the incident.
This confrontation is the latest in a series of escalating disputes between Manila and Beijing over the South China Sea, a critical waterway through which $3 trillion worth of commerce passes annually. China claims nearly the entire sea, overlapping with territorial claims by the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
The international arbitration tribunal's 2016 ruling invalidating China's claims under international law has done little to deter Beijing, which continues to assert its historic maps as justification for its territorial ambitions. However, the Philippines has stood firm in asserting its sovereignty, supported by international allies.
Despite the ongoing tensions, both nations have expressed a willingness to seek dialogue, as demonstrated during recent talks on January 16, where they agreed to explore avenues for cooperation in the disputed waters. The latest incident, however, underscores the challenges in achieving mutual understanding amidst heightened maritime confrontations.