Manila: Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated once again after the Philippines accused China of ramming one of its vessels and firing high-pressure water cannons near the disputed Thitu Island, known locally as Pag-asa Island. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has condemned the incident as an act of aggression, calling it a clear threat to the safety of its crew and a violation of international maritime law.
According to reports from the PCG, the incident occurred early Sunday when three Filipino vessels were anchored near Thitu Island as part of a routine government mission to assist local fishermen and ensure their safety in Philippine waters. During the operation, several Chinese coast guard ships reportedly approached the area and began using water cannons to drive away the Filipino vessels. One of the Chinese ships allegedly rammed the stern of the Philippine vessel BRP Datu Pagbuaya, causing structural damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the Filipino crew.
Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, spokesperson for the PCG, stated that China’s actions were “deliberate and hostile,” adding that the move endangered lives and violated established maritime protocols. “The Chinese coast guard’s aggressive behavior was unprovoked and dangerous. Our vessels were conducting a legitimate mission within our exclusive economic zone,” Balilo said. He emphasized that the Philippines would continue to assert its sovereign rights under international law, particularly the 2016 Hague Tribunal ruling which invalidated China’s expansive “nine-dash line” claims.
Thitu Island, located within the Spratly Islands archipelago, remains a focal point of regional tension. The island is one of the largest natural features occupied by the Philippines in the South China Sea and hosts a small civilian population along with military personnel. Its strategic location makes it crucial for control of shipping lanes and access to rich fishing and energy resources.
Eyewitnesses in the area said the Chinese vessels acted aggressively and forced the Filipino ships to alter course. Debris from the collision was seen floating near the reef, and rescue teams were deployed to assess the extent of the damage. Philippine officials said that while no crew members were harmed, the psychological impact of the confrontation was significant. “This is not just about maritime territory it’s about the safety and dignity of our people,” one official remarked.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila has not issued an immediate response. Beijing has consistently maintained that its coast guard actions are lawful and intended to safeguard Chinese sovereignty. China claims nearly the entire South China Sea as its territory, overlapping the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia.
In a statement, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs announced that it has filed a formal diplomatic protest against Beijing and demanded that China cease its “dangerous and coercive tactics.” Philippine officials warned that continued provocations could lead to a full-scale maritime standoff. The government also confirmed that it is coordinating with allies, including the United States, for strategic support and to ensure freedom of navigation in the region.
Regional analysts note that this latest clash could strain already fragile ties between the two nations. “Every incident like this pushes the two sides closer to confrontation,” said maritime security expert Jay Batongbacal. “The risk of miscalculation is high, especially when vessels operate in such close proximity under tense conditions.”
International concern has also begun to mount. Observers from ASEAN nations are closely monitoring the situation, fearing that such confrontations may destabilize the region. The United States, which has a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines, is expected to release a statement reaffirming its commitment to defending Philippine vessels under attack in the South China Sea.
Meanwhile, Philippine authorities have intensified surveillance and patrol missions near the disputed waters to ensure the protection of Filipino fishermen and to prevent further incidents. “Our presence in Pag-asa will not be diminished,” said Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. “We will continue to defend every inch of our territory.”
The South China Sea remains one of the most volatile maritime zones in the world. Despite repeated diplomatic talks and calls for restraint, the waters have become a flashpoint where sovereignty, resource competition, and national pride collide. The latest incident near Thitu Island underscores how fragile peace remains and how easily a spark could ignite a larger regional crisis.