Philippines Labels China an 'Aggressor' Amid Tensions in South China Sea

Facts

• As relations between the Philippines and Beijing deteriorate, the Southeast Asian US ally on Monday accused Chinese coast guard warships of 'intentionally' colliding with two vessels while on a resupply mission in the disputed area near the Second Thomas Shoal — part of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.¹
• Although no one was harmed, the incident in which a Chinese Coast Guard vessel collided with a small wooden Philippine resupply boat, sparked international outrage and expressions of concern from the US.²
• This weekend's encounter in the South China Sea prompted the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs to summon China's ambassador on Monday.³
• At a news conference, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said: 'The Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels, in blatant violation of international law, harassed and intentionally hit' the Philippine supply boat and coast guard ship.⁴
• China's embassy in Manila, in turn, expressed strong opposition to the Philippine vessel's 'trespassing.' The embassy urged the Philippine government to avoid 'causing trouble and provocation' at sea and to stop damaging China's reputation with 'groundless attacks.'⁵
• The incident took place in an area of the South China Sea more than 1,000 kilometers from China's closest major landmass, Hainan Island, which is located within the Philippines' 200-mile exclusive economic zone.⁶

Sources: ¹Reuters, ²APA, ³Arab News, ⁴US News & World Report, ⁵The Edge Malaysia and ⁶The Guardian.

Narratives

• Anti-China narrative, as provided by Al Jazeera. The PRC's activities in the South China Sea gravely undermine universally-recognized naval provisions under international law. Illegitimate activities include the deployment of China's so-called maritime militia in the waters near the Philippines, which harass and provoke Philippine fishermen and swarm parts of the sea within Manila's exclusive economic zone. Washington has rightfully stepped up its rhetoric and diplomatic efforts to challenge Beijing's provocative moves.
• Pro-China narrative, as provided by Global Times. The PRC has a historical claim over the South China Sea, and it's regulation of military activities in waters that are part of its exclusive economic zone is consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea regulations. Washington is arbitrarily interpreting the convention, using political manipulation and double standards to provoke China for its own selfish interests.

Predictions