China Coast Guard (CCG) personnel allegedly hit a Philippine Navy sailor with a wooden baton, leading to a serious head injury, in an incident in the South China Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Monday (Jul 20). The confrontation took place near the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal, also known as the Second Thomas Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea. The BRP Sierra Madre is a grounded and decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel, &nbsp;used by the AFP as a military outpost since 1999 to assert its presence in the disputed waters along the South China Sea. Watch the video below.&nbsp;<h2>What happened in the latest Second Thomas Shoal confrontation between China and the Philippines?</h2>According to the AFP and Philippine media reports, a China Coast Guard rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) carrying about eight personnel approached the BRP Sierra Madre, encircled it, and took photographs and videos. During the confrontation with a Filipino boat, CCG personnel allegedly used a wooden baton to strike a Philippine Navy sailor on the head, causing serious injury. The incident reportedly occurred during a Philippine presence-maintenance or rotation mission at the shoal. Medical personnel responded immediately and treated the injured sailor before he was evacuated for further care.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/philippines-slams-china-s-ai-monkey-video-as-dehumanising-and-racist-demands-removal-of-clip-1784266137238">Philippines slams China's AI monkey video as 'Dehumanising and Racist', demands removal of clip</a><h2>Ongoing China Coast Guard harassment of the Philippines</h2>The incident is the latest in a series of alleged Chinese actions targeting Philippine resupply and presence-maintenance missions at Second Thomas Shoal. Philippine authorities describe such actions as aggressive and unlawful activities within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone.&nbsp;Both China and the Philippines claim the waters in the South China Sea. Beijing says it is enforcing its sovereignty against what it describes as "illegal" intrusions by Philippine vessels, while Manila maintains that the shoal lies within its EEZ under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).Over the past few months, the China Coast Guard has repeatedly boarded, rammed, blocked or used water cannons against Philippine boats and vessels. Several confrontations escalated into physical altercations at or near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.&nbsp;Beijing has consistently accused Philippine vessels of carrying out dangerous manoeuvres and provoking incidents.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-china-tensions-over-scarborough-shoal-tensions-over-the-south-china-sea-the-next-war-is-brewing-taiwan-vietnam-us-vs-china-1781774055060">Philippines–China confrontations over the South China Sea; Taiwan Strait tensions: The next war is brewing</a><h2>Significant rise in China-Philippines South China Sea (SCS) confrontations this year&nbsp;</h2>Tensions remained elevated this year even as diplomatic efforts continued. China has been accused of employing so-called "grey-zone" tactics, including blocking Philippine vessels, creating barriers, maintaining an expanded coast guard and maritime militia presence, and asserting control around disputed features such as Scarborough Shoal, Second Thomas Shoal and Sabina Shoal.&nbsp;From January to May this year, alleged harassment of Philippine resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal were reported, alongside an increase in China Coast Guard patrols and deployments near Scarborough Shoal and Sabina Shoal.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-china-sea-on-edge-philippines-flags-new-china-sea-structure-1781245636167/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-china-sea-on-edge-philippines-flags-new-china-sea-structure-1781245636167/embed</a>In April, the Philippines said it found traces of cyanide in fish and other marine samples allegedly linked to the activities of Chinese fishing boats near Second Thomas Shoal. China rejected the claim, and accused Manila of fabricating the evidence.Disputes over Sandy Cay in April also included China Coast Guard vessels turning away Philippine fishing boats near Scarborough Shoal, while the Philippines challenged the activities of Chinese research vessels operating in disputed waters.In June, the Philippines protested the presence of a Chinese floating structure equipped with personnel and antennae at Scarborough Shoal, claiming it could be a precursor to artificial island construction. The structure was later removed, although stand-offs involving Chinese warships and Philippine vessels continued near the shoal.China also conducted live-fire military drills in parts of the South China Sea, while the Philippines strengthened security ties with the United States, Japan and ASEAN partners, including through expanded joint military exercises.<h2>China's rejection of the 2016 South China Sea ruling</h2>The latest incident is one of the most serious physical escalations since China rejected the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling issued by the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, which largely favoured the Philippines in its case against Beijing under UNCLOS. The Philippines continues to assert its rights under UNCLOS and the 2016 arbitral award, while China rejects the ruling and maintains its sweeping claims over most of the South China Sea. Although the disputes have not escalated into a major armed conflict, the risk of miscalculation remains significant.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">A Philippine Navy personnel is wounded after China Coast Guard members allegedly hit him with a wooden baton in an encounter near Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea today, July 20. 📷 Armed Forces of the Philippines <a href="https://x.com/straits_times?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@straits_times</a> <a href="https://t.co/UbZMMcQA48">pic.twitter.com/UbZMMcQA48</a>&mdash; Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) <a href="https://x.com/maracepeda/status/2079116470181863506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2026</a></blockquote>
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A Philippine Navy sailor sustained a serious head injury after being struck by a member of the China Coast Guard. The altercation was caught on camera. Here is what happened.

China Coast Guard (CCG) personnel allegedly hit a Philippine Navy sailor with a wooden baton, leading to a serious head injury, in an incident in the South China Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Monday (Jul 20). The confrontation took place near the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal, also known as the Second Thomas Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea. The BRP Sierra Madre is a grounded and decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel, used by the AFP as a military outpost since 1999 to assert its presence in the disputed waters along the South China Sea. Watch the video below. What happened in the latest Second Thomas Shoal confrontation between China and the Philippines? According to the AFP and Philippine media reports, a China Coast Guard rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) carrying about eight personnel approached the BRP Sierra Madre, encircled it, and took photographs and videos. During the confrontation with a Filipino boat, CCG personnel allegedly used a wooden baton to strike a Philippine Navy sailor on the head, causing serious injury. The incident reportedly occurred during a Philippine presence-maintenance or rotation mission at the shoal. Medical personnel responded immediately and treated the injured sailor before he was evacuated for further care. Also read: Philippines slams China's AI monkey video as 'Dehumanising and Racist', demands removal of clip Ongoing China Coast Guard harassment of the Philippines The incident is the latest in a series of alleged Chinese actions targeting Philippine resupply and presence-maintenance missions at Second Thomas Shoal. Philippine authorities describe such actions as aggressive and unlawful activities within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone. Both China and the Philippines claim the waters in the South China Sea. Beijing says it is enforcing its sovereignty against what it describes as "illegal" intrusions by Philippine vessels, while Manila maintains that the shoal lies within its EEZ under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Over the past few months, the China Coast Guard has repeatedly boarded, rammed, blocked or used water cannons against Philippine boats and vessels. Several confrontations escalated into physical altercations at or near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. Beijing has consistently accused Philippine vessels of carrying out dangerous manoeuvres and provoking incidents. Also read: Philippines–China confrontations over the South China Sea; Taiwan Strait tensions: The next war is brewing Significant rise in China-Philippines South China Sea (SCS) confrontations this year Tensions remained elevated this year even as diplomatic efforts continued. China has been accused of employing so-called "grey-zone" tactics, including blocking Philippine vessels, creating barriers, maintaining an expanded coast guard and maritime militia presence, and asserting control around disputed features such as Scarborough Shoal, Second Thomas Shoal and Sabina Shoal. From January to May this year, alleged harassment of Philippine resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal were reported, alongside an increase in China Coast Guard patrols and deployments near Scarborough Shoal and Sabina Shoal. https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-china-sea-on-edge-philippines-flags-new-china-sea-structure-1781245636167/embed In April, the Philippines said it found traces of cyanide in fish and other marine samples allegedly linked to the activities of Chinese fishing boats near Second Thomas Shoal. China rejected the claim, and accused Manila of fabricating the evidence. Disputes over Sandy Cay in April also included China Coast Guard vessels turning away Philippine fishing boats near Scarborough Shoal, while the Philippines challenged the activities of Chinese research vessels operating in disputed waters. In June, the Philippines protested the presence of a Chinese floating structure equipped with personnel and antennae at Scarborough Shoal, claiming it could be a precursor to artificial island construction. The structure was later removed, although stand-offs involving Chinese warships and Philippine vessels continued near the shoal. China also conducted live-fire military drills in parts of the South China Sea, while the Philippines strengthened security ties with the United States, Japan and ASEAN partners, including through expanded joint military exercises. China's rejection of the 2016 South China Sea ruling The latest incident is one of the most serious physical escalations since China rejected the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling issued by the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, which largely favoured the Philippines in its case against Beijing under UNCLOS. The Philippines continues to assert its rights under UNCLOS and the 2016 arbitral award, while China rejects the ruling and maintains its sweeping claims over most of the South China Sea. Although the disputes have not escalated into a major armed conflict, the risk of miscalculation remains significant.

A Philippine Navy sailor sustained a serious head injury after being struck by a member of the China Coast Guard. The altercation was caught on camera. Here is what happened.

WATCH: Chinese Coast Guard hits Philippine Navy personnel in the head; confrontation in South China Sea caught on video

Manila released new footage of Chinese coast guard sailors brandishing knives, an axe and other weapons in a clash with Philippine naval vessels. The scuffle happened near a strategic reef in the South China Sea.

In a post on X, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said that in a "brazen act of aggression", Chinese forces obstructed critical humanitarian rotation and resupply operations at BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) in Ayungin Shoal on June 17.&nbsp;

The Philippines also claimed that the Chinese coast guard is employing physical attacks, bladed weapons, blaring sirens and blinding strobe lights.&nbsp;

The clash took place Monday as Philippine forces attempted to resupply marines stationed on a derelict warship that was deliberately grounded atop the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert Manila's territorial claims.&nbsp;

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The clash became the latest in a series of escalating confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships in recent months.&nbsp;

According to Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner, the "outnumbered" Filipino crew had been unarmed and had fought with their "bare hands".&nbsp;

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The Philippine military said that a Filipino sailor lost a thumb in the clash, in which the Chinese coast guard confiscated or destroyed Philippine equipment including guns.&nbsp;

The dramatic footage released by the Philippine military late Wednesday showed small boats crewed by Chinese sailors shouting, waving knives and using sticks to hit an inflatable boat as a siren blares.&nbsp;

A voice speaking Tagalog can be heard in one clip saying someone had "lost a finger". Manila's footage of the clash is slightly different from the photos released by Beijing's state media on Wednesday. Beijing's video did not show Chinese forces wielding weapons.&nbsp;

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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CCG personnel violently attached ropes to tow the AFP's RHIB while threatening to injure an AFP soldier w/ a pickaxe. They also employed blaring sirens to create chaos, disrupt communication, and divert the attention of AFP troops, exacerbating the hostile &amp; dangerous situation. <a href="https://t.co/a8cPaGGH8j">pic.twitter.com/a8cPaGGH8j</a>
— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamAFP/status/1803457303112458431?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The head of the Philippine armed forces said that Chinese troops are similar to the "pirates". He asked China to return the rifles and equipment they took.&nbsp;

"We are demanding that the Chinese return our rifles and our equipment and we are also demanding that they pay for the damage they caused," Brawner Jr said at a press conference in the Philippines' western Palawan province.&nbsp;

"They boarded our boats illegally and seized our equipment. They’re now like pirates with these kinds of actions," he said.&nbsp;

<h2>China calls it 'totally bogus'&nbsp;</h2>

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian was asked about the videos on Thursday to which&nbsp;he said that Manila's comments on the clash were "totally bogus accusations that confuse black with white".&nbsp;

The spokesperson blamed the Philippines for the confrontation, saying they had "escalated tensions" and accused them of ramming Chinese boats. Lin said the Philippine boats had been trying "to sneak in building materials, but also tried to smuggle in military equipment".&nbsp;

Beijing has insisted that its coast guard behaved in a "professional and restrained" way and claimed "no direct measures" were taken against Filipino personnel.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Manila released new footage of Chinese coast guard sailors brandishing knives, an axe and other weapons in a clash with Philippine naval vessels. The scuffle happened near a strategic reef in the South China Sea.

Manila released new footage of Chinese coast guard sailors brandishing knives, an axe and other weapons in a clash with Philippine naval vessels. The scuffle happened near a strategic reef in the South China Sea. In a post on X, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said that in a "brazen act of aggression", Chinese forces obstructed critical humanitarian rotation and resupply operations at BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) in Ayungin Shoal on June 17. The Philippines also claimed that the Chinese coast guard is employing physical attacks, bladed weapons, blaring sirens and blinding strobe lights. The clash took place Monday as Philippine forces attempted to resupply marines stationed on a derelict warship that was deliberately grounded atop the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert Manila's territorial claims. Also read: Putin's Pyongyang yawn: Social media buzzes over videos of 'bored' Putin at North Korean concert The clash became the latest in a series of escalating confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships in recent months. According to Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner, the "outnumbered" Filipino crew had been unarmed and had fought with their "bare hands". Also read: Putin arrives in Vietnam after signing defence pact with North Korea, irks US The Philippine military said that a Filipino sailor lost a thumb in the clash, in which the Chinese coast guard confiscated or destroyed Philippine equipment including guns. The dramatic footage released by the Philippine military late Wednesday showed small boats crewed by Chinese sailors shouting, waving knives and using sticks to hit an inflatable boat as a siren blares. A voice speaking Tagalog can be heard in one clip saying someone had "lost a finger". Manila's footage of the clash is slightly different from the photos released by Beijing's state media on Wednesday. Beijing's video did not show Chinese forces wielding weapons. Watch the video here: CCG personnel violently attached ropes to tow the AFP's RHIB while threatening to injure an AFP soldier w/ a pickaxe. They also employed blaring sirens to create chaos, disrupt communication, and divert the attention of AFP troops, exacerbating the hostile & dangerous situation. pic.twitter.com/a8cPaGGH8j — Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) June 19, 2024 × The head of the Philippine armed forces said that Chinese troops are similar to the "pirates". He asked China to return the rifles and equipment they took. "We are demanding that the Chinese return our rifles and our equipment and we are also demanding that they pay for the damage they caused," Brawner Jr said at a press conference in the Philippines' western Palawan province. "They boarded our boats illegally and seized our equipment. They’re now like pirates with these kinds of actions," he said. China calls it 'totally bogus' Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian was asked about the videos on Thursday to which he said that Manila's comments on the clash were "totally bogus accusations that confuse black with white". The spokesperson blamed the Philippines for the confrontation, saying they had "escalated tensions" and accused them of ramming Chinese boats. Lin said the Philippine boats had been trying "to sneak in building materials, but also tried to smuggle in military equipment". Beijing has insisted that its coast guard behaved in a "professional and restrained" way and claimed "no direct measures" were taken against Filipino personnel. (With inputs from agencies)

Dramatic video shows Chinese coast guards attacking Philippine naval vessels with knives, axes

The&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;will continue to maintain and supply its outposts in the South China Sea without seeking permission from any other country, the country's national security adviser said.

The&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;national security council said on Saturday it reaffirmed its commitment to uphold its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Second Thomas Shoal.

"Our operations are conducted within our own territorial waters and exclusive economic zone, and we will not be deterred by foreign interference or intimidation," said National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Ano.

The Philippine agency issued a statement in response to China's suggestion that the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;must first notify Beijing over access.

China's foreign ministry said on Friday it will allow the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;to deliver supplies and evacuate personnel if Manila notifies Beijing in advance.

Ano described such suggestions as "absurd, nonsense and unacceptable".

He added: "We do not and will never need China's approval for any of our activities therein."

But the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;remains open to dialogue and peaceful negotiations to resolve disputes in the entire South China Sea, the council said.

The Philippine coastguard on Friday accused its Chinese counterpart of blocking efforts to evacuate a sick member of its armed forces in the South China Sea.

It was the latest dispute in a longstanding territorial spat with China, which claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion in annual ship commerce.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague said China's claims had no legal basis, a decision Beijing has rejected.

The Philippines will continue to maintain and supply its outposts in the South China Sea without seeking permission from any other country, the country's national security adviser said.

The Philippines will continue to maintain and supply its outposts in the South China Sea without seeking permission from any other country, the country's national security adviser said. The Philippines national security council said on Saturday it reaffirmed its commitment to uphold its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Second Thomas Shoal. "Our operations are conducted within our own territorial waters and exclusive economic zone, and we will not be deterred by foreign interference or intimidation," said National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Ano. The Philippine agency issued a statement in response to China's suggestion that the Philippines must first notify Beijing over access. China's foreign ministry said on Friday it will allow the Philippines to deliver supplies and evacuate personnel if Manila notifies Beijing in advance. Ano described such suggestions as "absurd, nonsense and unacceptable". He added: "We do not and will never need China's approval for any of our activities therein." But the Philippines remains open to dialogue and peaceful negotiations to resolve disputes in the entire South China Sea, the council said. The Philippine coastguard on Friday accused its Chinese counterpart of blocking efforts to evacuate a sick member of its armed forces in the South China Sea. It was the latest dispute in a longstanding territorial spat with China, which claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion in annual ship commerce. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague said China's claims had no legal basis, a decision Beijing has rejected.

Philippines asserts security independence amid South China Sea tensions

The Philippines Navy has been damaging Chinese fishing nets in the South China Sea and removing them completely near the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, Chinese media has reported. Xinhua news agency reported Tuesday (Jun 4) that Philippines military personnel tore down fishing nets laid by Chinese fishermen in the surrounding waters. Some videos showing the troops aboard rubber boats cutting the nets have also appeared on social media.

As per an estimate by Chinese media, the Philippine military has so far damaged 2,000 metres of fishing net and taken more than 100 metres since May 15. Chinese coast guard later helped Chinese fishermen gather their destroyed nets from the area.

The latest incident is all set to further ratchet up tensions between the two nations as Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration in the Philippines takes a more assertive stance and forges closer military ties with the US.

According to analysts, such acts by Manila were totally legal and understandable as Chinese fishermen don't have the right to operate in the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone. The Second Thomas Shoal lies within the Philippines’ 370-kilometer EEZ, some 194 km off Palawan province.

“If they see illegal acts, they can initiate the dismantling of intrusive objects since they are the prime protector of our sovereign state and the people,” Security analyst Chester Cabalza was quoted as saying by Inquirer.net.

“China will always try to twist the story to advance their national interest,” he added, saying, “The placement of nets near Ayungin Shoal is a provocation.”

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“This psych ops is clearly made to get the sympathy of the international community and weaken the strong Philippine narrative and resistance,” he continued.

The relations between the two nations have strained following several instances of confrontation between the two militaries. In March, two Chinese coast guard ships blasted a Philippines supply boat with water cannon. This had caused heavy damage to the wooden vessel of the Philippines, causing a diplomatic standoff between Manila and Beijing.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Philippines Navy has been damaging Chinese fishing nets in the South China Sea and removing them completely near the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, Chinese media has reported.

The Philippines Navy has been damaging Chinese fishing nets in the South China Sea and removing them completely near the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, Chinese media has reported. Xinhua news agency reported Tuesday (Jun 4) that Philippines military personnel tore down fishing nets laid by Chinese fishermen in the surrounding waters. Some videos showing the troops aboard rubber boats cutting the nets have also appeared on social media. As per an estimate by Chinese media, the Philippine military has so far damaged 2,000 metres of fishing net and taken more than 100 metres since May 15. Chinese coast guard later helped Chinese fishermen gather their destroyed nets from the area. The latest incident is all set to further ratchet up tensions between the two nations as Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration in the Philippines takes a more assertive stance and forges closer military ties with the US. According to analysts, such acts by Manila were totally legal and understandable as Chinese fishermen don't have the right to operate in the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone. The Second Thomas Shoal lies within the Philippines’ 370-kilometer EEZ, some 194 km off Palawan province. “If they see illegal acts, they can initiate the dismantling of intrusive objects since they are the prime protector of our sovereign state and the people,” Security analyst Chester Cabalza was quoted as saying by Inquirer.net. “China will always try to twist the story to advance their national interest,” he added, saying, “The placement of nets near Ayungin Shoal is a provocation.” Also read: China says will not attend Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland “This psych ops is clearly made to get the sympathy of the international community and weaken the strong Philippine narrative and resistance,” he continued. The relations between the two nations have strained following several instances of confrontation between the two militaries. In March, two Chinese coast guard ships blasted a Philippines supply boat with water cannon. This had caused heavy damage to the wooden vessel of the Philippines, causing a diplomatic standoff between Manila and Beijing. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippines Navy tear down Chinese fishing nets in South China Sea

China on Monday (Dec 4) accused the United States of escalating tensions in the South China Sea after it claimed that an American combat ship "illegally" entered waters near the Second Thomas Shoal, which is a disputed atoll.&nbsp;

Beijing also described the US as "the biggest threat to peace and stability" in the region. Notably, China refers to Second Thomas Shoal as Renai Reef and it is about 200 kilometres from the western Philippine island of Palawan.&nbsp;

The disputed South China Sea atoll is more than 1,000 kilometres from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan Island.&nbsp;

In a statement, a spokesperson for China's Southern Theatre Command said: "The United States has deliberately disrupted the South China Sea, seriously violated China's sovereignty and security, severely undermined regional peace and stability, and seriously violated international law and basic norms governing international relations."&nbsp;

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Southern Theatre Command spokesman Tian Junli said: "On December 4, littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords illegally entered the waters adjacent to Ren'ai Reef in the Nansha region of China without the approval of the Chinese government."&nbsp;

Tian further said that China's military on Monday "followed the entire operation" and also added that the "deliberate stirring up of the South China Sea by the United States is a serious infringement of China's sovereignty and security".&nbsp;

"Troops in the theatre of command maintain a high state of alert at all times, resolutely defending national sovereignty and security," Tian added.&nbsp;

As translated by the news agency Reuters, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said: "The Whitsun Reef is part of China's Nansha Islands, and the relevant waters in the South China Sea, including the Whitsun Reef and its neighbouring waters, have always been an important operating area and shelter for Chinese fishing vessels."&nbsp;

"It is reasonable and lawful for Chinese fishing vessels to operate in and take shelter from the wind in those waters, the Philippines should not make irresponsible remarks about it," Wang added.&nbsp;

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Watch:&nbsp;US Navy destroyer shoots down three drones in Red Sea that hit commercial ships by missiles &amp; drones&nbsp;

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<h2>South China Sea conflict&nbsp;</h2>

Territorial disputes in the South China Sea grab the attention of the world. It involves conflicting island and maritime claims in the region by several sovereign states, namely Brunei, China Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam.&nbsp;

Beijing has ignored a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that its claims to almost the entire sea have no legal basis.&nbsp;

In recent years, China has ramped up patrols of the waters and reefs in the South China Sea and built artificial islands that it has militarised to reinforce its assertion.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China on Monday (Dec 4) accused the United States of escalating tensions in the South China Sea after it claimed that an American combat ship "illegally" entered waters near the Second Thomas Shoal, which is a disputed atoll.

China on Monday (Dec 4) accused the United States of escalating tensions in the South China Sea after it claimed that an American combat ship "illegally" entered waters near the Second Thomas Shoal, which is a disputed atoll. Beijing also described the US as "the biggest threat to peace and stability" in the region. Notably, China refers to Second Thomas Shoal as Renai Reef and it is about 200 kilometres from the western Philippine island of Palawan. The disputed South China Sea atoll is more than 1,000 kilometres from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan Island. In a statement, a spokesperson for China's Southern Theatre Command said: "The United States has deliberately disrupted the South China Sea, seriously violated China's sovereignty and security, severely undermined regional peace and stability, and seriously violated international law and basic norms governing international relations." Also read: China defence contractors register stellar profit for fourth consecutive year in a row: SIPRI Southern Theatre Command spokesman Tian Junli said: "On December 4, littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords illegally entered the waters adjacent to Ren'ai Reef in the Nansha region of China without the approval of the Chinese government." Tian further said that China's military on Monday "followed the entire operation" and also added that the "deliberate stirring up of the South China Sea by the United States is a serious infringement of China's sovereignty and security". "Troops in the theatre of command maintain a high state of alert at all times, resolutely defending national sovereignty and security," Tian added. As translated by the news agency Reuters, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said: "The Whitsun Reef is part of China's Nansha Islands, and the relevant waters in the South China Sea, including the Whitsun Reef and its neighbouring waters, have always been an important operating area and shelter for Chinese fishing vessels." "It is reasonable and lawful for Chinese fishing vessels to operate in and take shelter from the wind in those waters, the Philippines should not make irresponsible remarks about it," Wang added. Also read: Prominent jailed Hong Kong activist Agnes Chow moves to Canada, breaks silence after more than 2 years Watch: US Navy destroyer shoots down three drones in Red Sea that hit commercial ships by missiles & drones × South China Sea conflict Territorial disputes in the South China Sea grab the attention of the world. It involves conflicting island and maritime claims in the region by several sovereign states, namely Brunei, China Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam. Beijing has ignored a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that its claims to almost the entire sea have no legal basis. In recent years, China has ramped up patrols of the waters and reefs in the South China Sea and built artificial islands that it has militarised to reinforce its assertion. (With inputs from agencies)

China slams US for 'illegally' entering waters near disputed Second Thomas Shoal