Tensions rise amid series of maritime run-ins. China levies fresh accusations at the Philippines. China has alleged that the Philippines brings outside forces to intervene. Beijing has said it is "willing to work with Manila on sea-related issues." Watch the video to know more!

South China Sea Crisis: Manila accused China of firing water cannons at its boats

China on Thursday (Dec 28) called out the Philippines and said that it will not ignore Manila's repeated "provocations and harassment" amid recent escalations in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

The Chinese coastguard and marine militia were accused earlier this month by Manila of frequently shooting water cannons at its resupply boats.&nbsp;

The Philippines also claimed that the act caused "serious engine damage" to one of the boats, and also said that China "deliberately" rammed another.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-surge-in-pet-surgeries-to-resemble-mickey-mouse-ears-raises-alarms-674446">China's surge in pet surgeries to resemble 'Mickey Mouse ears' raises alarms</a>&nbsp;

Responding to the allegations, Wu Qian, who is a defence ministry spokesperson, called the accusations "purely false hype".&nbsp;

Wu said that the Philippine side insisted on sending vessels to "intrude into" waters near a disputed shoal and "proactively rammed" a Chinese Coast Guard vessel.&nbsp;

While speaking at a news conference, Wu said the China Coast Guard took necessary enforcement measures which were justified and legitimate.&nbsp;

"China is always committed to resolving differences through dialogue and consultation and making joint efforts to maintain maritime stability, but we will not turn a blind eye to the Philippine's repeated provocations and harassment,"&nbsp;said&nbsp;Wu.

In the past few weeks, relations between China and the Philippines have soured over the South China Sea under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.&nbsp;

Manila has pivoted back to the United States, which supports the Southeast Asian nation in its maritime disputes with China.&nbsp;

"We urge the U.S. to immediately stop meddling in the South China Sea issue, stop emboldening and supporting Philippine infringement and provocation, and safeguard regional security with concrete actions," Wu said at the news conference.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-deploys-artificial-intelligence-to-outfox-washington-in-spying-game-674418">China adopts Artificial Intelligence to outfox Washington in 'spying game'</a>&nbsp;

<h2>China urged the Philippines to make 'rational choice'&nbsp;</h2>

Recently, China voiced growing frustration and anger with the Philippines' unexpected&nbsp;bold tactics in contested South China Sea waters. It warned Manila to "make the rational choice".&nbsp;

But Philippine President Marcos vowed not to succumb to "coercion". He insisted recent tense stand-offs in the disputed area highlighted his nation's "courage".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

China on Thursday (Dec 28) called out the Philippines and said that it will not ignore Manila's repeated "provocations and harassment" amid recent escalations in the South China Sea.

China on Thursday (Dec 28) called out the Philippines and said that it will not ignore Manila's repeated "provocations and harassment" amid recent escalations in the South China Sea. The Chinese coastguard and marine militia were accused earlier this month by Manila of frequently shooting water cannons at its resupply boats. The Philippines also claimed that the act caused "serious engine damage" to one of the boats, and also said that China "deliberately" rammed another. Also read: China's surge in pet surgeries to resemble 'Mickey Mouse ears' raises alarms Responding to the allegations, Wu Qian, who is a defence ministry spokesperson, called the accusations "purely false hype". Wu said that the Philippine side insisted on sending vessels to "intrude into" waters near a disputed shoal and "proactively rammed" a Chinese Coast Guard vessel. While speaking at a news conference, Wu said the China Coast Guard took necessary enforcement measures which were justified and legitimate. "China is always committed to resolving differences through dialogue and consultation and making joint efforts to maintain maritime stability, but we will not turn a blind eye to the Philippine's repeated provocations and harassment," said Wu. In the past few weeks, relations between China and the Philippines have soured over the South China Sea under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Manila has pivoted back to the United States, which supports the Southeast Asian nation in its maritime disputes with China. "We urge the U.S. to immediately stop meddling in the South China Sea issue, stop emboldening and supporting Philippine infringement and provocation, and safeguard regional security with concrete actions," Wu said at the news conference. Also read: China adopts Artificial Intelligence to outfox Washington in 'spying game' China urged the Philippines to make 'rational choice' Recently, China voiced growing frustration and anger with the Philippines' unexpected bold tactics in contested South China Sea waters. It warned Manila to "make the rational choice". But Philippine President Marcos vowed not to succumb to "coercion". He insisted recent tense stand-offs in the disputed area highlighted his nation's "courage". (With inputs from agencies)

China says it won't ignore Philippines' repeated 'provocations'

The Philippines has denied Chinese claims of provoking conflict in the South China Sea. The rebuttal comes over Beijing's accusations that Manila is encroaching on its territory. In recent months both sides have traded charges over a series of Maritime run-ins.

South China Sea crisis: China rammed a ship carrying Philippines' military chief

Beijing warned that the remnants of its recently launched Long March 5 might hit an area of the South China Sea, on Tuesday (Dec 26). The maritime safety administration warned that the rocket debris of its most powerful launch vehicle is expected to fall off the coast of China’s island province of Hainan between 11:00 am (local time) and noon.&nbsp;

Remnants of Chinese rocket to fall in South China Sea

China launched a Long March 5 on December 15 from Hainan’s Wenchang launch site, marking the sixth launch of the rocket type since its first flight around seven years ago.&nbsp;

The successfully launched Long March 5 mission was described by the Chinese state media as “a high-orbit optical remote sensing satellite”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-accuses-china-of-ramming-using-water-cannon-on-resupply-vessels-in-south-china-sea-668091">Philippines accuses China of ramming, using water cannon on resupply vessels in South China Sea</a>

The “satellite” will be used to conduct land surveys, crop yield assessments, environmental management, meteorological warning and forecasting, and disaster prevention and relief, reported China’s state news agency Xinhua.&nbsp;

The Chinese media also said that the powerful rocket – typically used to launch very large payloads – was carrying a payload of 18.5 metres far more than the usual 12.267 metres. Beijing has not released any images of the satellite to the public.&nbsp;

China has repeatedly garnered criticism from the European Space Agency and NASA over its lack of efforts to safely deorbit its rockets’ core stage after it reached orbit.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-says-china-coastguard-vessel-collided-with-resupply-boat-beijing-reacts-lawfully-blocked-649811">Philippines says China coastguard vessel collided with resupply boat, Beijing says it 'lawfully' blocked it</a>

Over the years, this has left massive pieces of debris to fall in an uncontrolled manner by atmospheric drag, creating panic on the ground about where it might land. In 2020, debris from a Long March 5B fell on Ivory Coast, damaging several buildings.

<h2>Philippines responds to China’s latest accusation</h2>

People’s Daily, the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, on Monday (Dec 25) wrote that the Philippines has relied on the support from the United States to continually provoke China, with “extremely dangerous” behaviour which is seriously harming regional peace and stability.

“Philippines is not provoking conflict,” Philippine’s military spokesperson Medel Aguilar told state-run broadcaster PTV, on Tuesday (Dec 26).&nbsp;

He added, “We follow international law and we are only implementing our domestic law, meaning the limits of our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone where we have sovereign rights.”

During the interview, Aguilar also said that Manila is not the one conducting activities that puts vessels and seafarers in danger and went on to accuse Beijing of performing dangerous manoeuvres which have resulted in collisions at sea.

“They are the ones committing all the violations,” he told the state-run broadcaster.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-slams-china-over-incidents-in-south-china-sea-against-philippines-668718">UK slams China over incidents in South China Sea against Philippines</a>

Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy in Manila, on Tuesday said the Philippines is causing tensions by sending construction supplies to its grounded navy vessel in the Second Thomas Shoal.&nbsp;

“The Philippines, bolstered by external support, has brushed aside China’s goodwill and restraint and repeatedly challenged China’s principles and red line,” said the embassy, citing the Chinese foreign ministry.

Tensions between the Philippines and China have risen in recent months as both sides continue to engage in a war of words over the South China Sea, particularly since China allegedly, earlier this month rammed a ship carrying the Philippines’ military chief.

(With inputs from agencies)

Beijing warned that the remnants of its recently launched Long March 5 might hit an area of the South China Sea, on Tuesday (Dec 26). The maritime safety administration warned that the rocket debris of its most powerful launch vehicle is expected to fall off the coast of China’s island province of Hainan between 11:00 am (local time) and noon.

Beijing warned that the remnants of its recently launched Long March 5 might hit an area of the South China Sea, on Tuesday (Dec 26). The maritime safety administration warned that the rocket debris of its most powerful launch vehicle is expected to fall off the coast of China’s island province of Hainan between 11:00 am (local time) and noon. Remnants of Chinese rocket to fall in South China Sea China launched a Long March 5 on December 15 from Hainan’s Wenchang launch site, marking the sixth launch of the rocket type since its first flight around seven years ago. The successfully launched Long March 5 mission was described by the Chinese state media as “a high-orbit optical remote sensing satellite”. ALSO READ | Philippines accuses China of ramming, using water cannon on resupply vessels in South China Sea The “satellite” will be used to conduct land surveys, crop yield assessments, environmental management, meteorological warning and forecasting, and disaster prevention and relief, reported China’s state news agency Xinhua. The Chinese media also said that the powerful rocket – typically used to launch very large payloads – was carrying a payload of 18.5 metres far more than the usual 12.267 metres. Beijing has not released any images of the satellite to the public. China has repeatedly garnered criticism from the European Space Agency and NASA over its lack of efforts to safely deorbit its rockets’ core stage after it reached orbit. ALSO READ | Philippines says China coastguard vessel collided with resupply boat, Beijing says it 'lawfully' blocked it Over the years, this has left massive pieces of debris to fall in an uncontrolled manner by atmospheric drag, creating panic on the ground about where it might land. In 2020, debris from a Long March 5B fell on Ivory Coast, damaging several buildings. Philippines responds to China’s latest accusation People’s Daily, the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, on Monday (Dec 25) wrote that the Philippines has relied on the support from the United States to continually provoke China, with “extremely dangerous” behaviour which is seriously harming regional peace and stability. “Philippines is not provoking conflict,” Philippine’s military spokesperson Medel Aguilar told state-run broadcaster PTV, on Tuesday (Dec 26). He added, “We follow international law and we are only implementing our domestic law, meaning the limits of our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone where we have sovereign rights.” During the interview, Aguilar also said that Manila is not the one conducting activities that puts vessels and seafarers in danger and went on to accuse Beijing of performing dangerous manoeuvres which have resulted in collisions at sea. “They are the ones committing all the violations,” he told the state-run broadcaster. ALSO READ | UK slams China over incidents in South China Sea against Philippines Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy in Manila, on Tuesday said the Philippines is causing tensions by sending construction supplies to its grounded navy vessel in the Second Thomas Shoal. “The Philippines, bolstered by external support, has brushed aside China’s goodwill and restraint and repeatedly challenged China’s principles and red line,” said the embassy, citing the Chinese foreign ministry. Tensions between the Philippines and China have risen in recent months as both sides continue to engage in a war of words over the South China Sea, particularly since China allegedly, earlier this month rammed a ship carrying the Philippines’ military chief. (With inputs from agencies)

Beijing warns rocket remnants to hit South China Sea amid ongoing dispute with Philippines

Beijing: Manila relying on U.S. support to provoke China | South China Sea Tensions

China levies fresh accusations at the Philippines. China has alleged that the Philippines brings outside forces to intervene. Beijing has said it is "willing to work with Manila on sea-related issues." Watch the video to know more!

South China Sea remains a point of convention between China & Phillipines, former accuses latter

The victory of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr in the May 2022 Philippine presidential elections came as a rude shock for the West and a bonanza for China.

The son and namesake of the late Philippine dictator had long been projected as pro-China and anti-US by the Western media.

“Why the Philippines election could be a win for China,” opined CNN in a lengthy editorial.

But the year 2023 turned the tables upside down.

Marcos turned out to be Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s biggest and boldest nemesis, especially about his nation’s righteous claim over parts of the South China Sea that China has increasingly and aggressively disputed over the past 10 months.

Let’s have a look at key events of 2023 that largely shaped the ties between China and the Philippines.

<h2>January 2023: Marcos visits Beijing</h2>

The year started on a positive note for the bilateral ties.&nbsp;

In his first foreign visit outside Southeast Asia, Macros arrived in Beijing in January to reaffirm Manila’s commitment towards continuing his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte’s pro-China policy.

The visit was hailed as successful by the Bongbong administration, with Manila having struck three major following deals with Beijing:

1) Investment pledges worth $22 billion&nbsp;

2) Compromise over “South China Sea disputes”

3) A new emergency hotline between maritime officers of the two countries

<h2>February 2023: Xi’s stab in the back</h2>

In an awful surprise within weeks of his trip to Beijing, Marcos on February 6 received the news of China shining a “military grade” laser at a Filipino coast guard boat.

The vessel was on a resupply mission to a marooned navy vessel that Manila has used for years to claim the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

The laser was so powerful that not only it temporarily blinded the crew of the boat but it also led Marcos to open his eyes to China’s dangerous designs in the Philippines waters.

The incident infuriated the Philippine president like never before.&nbsp;

For the first time in over a decade, a Chinese ambassador was summoned by Manila and given a strongly worded public complaint.

“I thought … the Philippines was the friend of China,” was all Chinese envoy Huang Xilian could say to the Philippine president.

<h2>August 2023: When China ‘snapped’ the hotline</h2>

After months of tense encounters, a major Chinese incursion took place in one morning of August. A Chinese coast guard ship bore down on a Philippine coast guard vessel and fired at it with water cannons.

When the Philippine officials tried to contact their Chinese counterparts through the newly established emergency hotline, they found themselves completely ghosted.&nbsp;

Their calls were answered only after a long wait of six hours.

<h2>September 2023: Manila fires back</h2>

After months of Chinese harassment, Manila chose to return the favour in September.&nbsp;

China had installed a floating, 300-metre-long barrier in the West Philippine Sea, much to Marcos’s chagrin.

He ordered the coast guard to cut the barrier, bring its anchor back to Manila and then went on to publicly humiliate China by displaying it at a news conference, calling it a “souvenir”.

The move left Beijing red-faced and observers stunned.

<h2>November 2022: BRI bulldozed</h2>

In November, the Philippines became the latest country to bid adieu to China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.

And Marcos’s move couldn’t be more well-timed.

It came just days after Xi Jinping hosted leaders of 23 countries for the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing to breathe fresh life into the ambitious infrastructure plan, which has begun to fall apart already.

<h2>December 2022: When China crossed the red line</h2>

Marcos declared in December that the ties with China were heading in a ‘poor direction’ after its coast guard blasted a boat carrying the Philippine military chief with a water cannon.

The standoff continued for two consecutive days.

Watch:&nbsp;Philippines installs Japan-made air radars amid tensions with China

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Manila even considered expelling the Chinese ambassador after the military chief was harassed.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Teresita Daza said in a press conference on Dec 11 that declaring China’s ambassador Huang Xilian as “persona non grata” in the Philippines was also “something that has to be seriously considered.” &nbsp;

<h2>The Philippines turns to democratic allies</h2>

The country is now stepping up efforts to bolster its ties with democratic partners like the US, the EU, Japan, India and South Korea.&nbsp; 
 
“We have to come up with a paradigm shift,” Marcos declared in Tokyo during a Japan-ASEAN summit earlier this month.

There is also an indication that the Marcos Jr. administration might look to sign the reciprocal access agreement (RAA) with Japan as soon as next year.

Filipino National Security Council (NSC) Director General Jonathan Malaya said both Manila and Tokyo wish to sign the agreement as soon as possible since it will significantly increase their marine cooperation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-slams-china-over-incidents-in-south-china-sea-against-philippines-668718">Also read:&nbsp;UK slams China over incidents in South China Sea against Philippines</a>

The US and UK have also condemned recent Chinese aggression, with Washington DC categorically asserting its ironclad commitment to the Southeast Asian country and pledging to defend it against potential Chinese invasion.

The year 2023 will go down in history as a major turning point for the China-Philippines ties.&nbsp;

Xi’s handling of China’s ties with its neighbours is increasingly laying bare the desperation of his regime to score geopolitical points overseas, amidst a gloomy outlook at home.

(With inputs from agencies)

The victory of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr in the May 2022 Philippine presidential elections came as a rude shock for the West and a bonanza for China. The son and namesake of the late Philippine dictator had long been projected as pro-China and anti-US by the Western media.

The victory of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr in the May 2022 Philippine presidential elections came as a rude shock for the West and a bonanza for China. The son and namesake of the late Philippine dictator had long been projected as pro-China and anti-US by the Western media. “Why the Philippines election could be a win for China,” opined CNN in a lengthy editorial. But the year 2023 turned the tables upside down. Marcos turned out to be Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s biggest and boldest nemesis, especially about his nation’s righteous claim over parts of the South China Sea that China has increasingly and aggressively disputed over the past 10 months. Let’s have a look at key events of 2023 that largely shaped the ties between China and the Philippines. January 2023: Marcos visits Beijing The year started on a positive note for the bilateral ties. In his first foreign visit outside Southeast Asia, Macros arrived in Beijing in January to reaffirm Manila’s commitment towards continuing his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte’s pro-China policy. The visit was hailed as successful by the Bongbong administration, with Manila having struck three major following deals with Beijing: 1) Investment pledges worth $22 billion 2) Compromise over “South China Sea disputes” 3) A new emergency hotline between maritime officers of the two countries February 2023: Xi’s stab in the back In an awful surprise within weeks of his trip to Beijing, Marcos on February 6 received the news of China shining a “military grade” laser at a Filipino coast guard boat. The vessel was on a resupply mission to a marooned navy vessel that Manila has used for years to claim the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The laser was so powerful that not only it temporarily blinded the crew of the boat but it also led Marcos to open his eyes to China’s dangerous designs in the Philippines waters. The incident infuriated the Philippine president like never before. For the first time in over a decade, a Chinese ambassador was summoned by Manila and given a strongly worded public complaint. “I thought … the Philippines was the friend of China,” was all Chinese envoy Huang Xilian could say to the Philippine president. August 2023: When China ‘snapped’ the hotline After months of tense encounters, a major Chinese incursion took place in one morning of August. A Chinese coast guard ship bore down on a Philippine coast guard vessel and fired at it with water cannons. When the Philippine officials tried to contact their Chinese counterparts through the newly established emergency hotline, they found themselves completely ghosted. Their calls were answered only after a long wait of six hours. September 2023: Manila fires back After months of Chinese harassment, Manila chose to return the favour in September. China had installed a floating, 300-metre-long barrier in the West Philippine Sea, much to Marcos’s chagrin. He ordered the coast guard to cut the barrier, bring its anchor back to Manila and then went on to publicly humiliate China by displaying it at a news conference, calling it a “souvenir”. The move left Beijing red-faced and observers stunned. November 2022: BRI bulldozed In November, the Philippines became the latest country to bid adieu to China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. And Marcos’s move couldn’t be more well-timed. It came just days after Xi Jinping hosted leaders of 23 countries for the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing to breathe fresh life into the ambitious infrastructure plan, which has begun to fall apart already. December 2022: When China crossed the red line Marcos declared in December that the ties with China were heading in a ‘poor direction’ after its coast guard blasted a boat carrying the Philippine military chief with a water cannon. The standoff continued for two consecutive days. Watch: Philippines installs Japan-made air radars amid tensions with China × Manila even considered expelling the Chinese ambassador after the military chief was harassed. Foreign ministry spokesperson Teresita Daza said in a press conference on Dec 11 that declaring China’s ambassador Huang Xilian as “persona non grata” in the Philippines was also “something that has to be seriously considered.” The Philippines turns to democratic allies The country is now stepping up efforts to bolster its ties with democratic partners like the US, the EU, Japan, India and South Korea. “We have to come up with a paradigm shift,” Marcos declared in Tokyo during a Japan-ASEAN summit earlier this month. There is also an indication that the Marcos Jr. administration might look to sign the reciprocal access agreement (RAA) with Japan as soon as next year. Filipino National Security Council (NSC) Director General Jonathan Malaya said both Manila and Tokyo wish to sign the agreement as soon as possible since it will significantly increase their marine cooperation. Also read: UK slams China over incidents in South China Sea against Philippines The US and UK have also condemned recent Chinese aggression, with Washington DC categorically asserting its ironclad commitment to the Southeast Asian country and pledging to defend it against potential Chinese invasion. The year 2023 will go down in history as a major turning point for the China-Philippines ties. Xi’s handling of China’s ties with its neighbours is increasingly laying bare the desperation of his regime to score geopolitical points overseas, amidst a gloomy outlook at home. (With inputs from agencies)

Friend-turned-foe: How 2023 saw the emergence of Xi’s biggest nemesis - Bongbong Marcos

The United Kingdom on Monday (Dec 11) condemned "unsafe and escalatory tactics deployed by Chinese vessels" against the Philippines over the weekend in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

In a statement, Britain's foreign office said: "The UK opposes any action which raises tensions, including harassment, unsafe conduct and intimidation tactics which increase the risk of miscalculation and threaten regional peace and stability."&nbsp;

"Both China and the Philippines must adhere to the findings of the 2016 Arbitral Award proceedings, which are legally binding on both parties," it added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-india-trade-pact-shields-students-amid-new-migration-strategy-668696">Australia-India trade pact shields students in the wake of new migration strategy</a>&nbsp;

The Philippine Coast Guard released videos which showed Chinese ships blasting water cannons at Philippine boats during two separate resupply missions to fishermen at Scarborough Shoal and a tiny garrison at Second Thomas Shoal on Saturday and Sunday.&nbsp;

Manila claimed that there was also a collision between Philippine and Chinese boats at the Second Thomas Shoal.&nbsp;

Notably, Thomas Shoal is a region where several Filipino troops are stationed on a grounded warship.&nbsp;

Both countries have blamed each other.&nbsp;

Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senior-imf-official-warns-fragmentation-in-global-economy-could-trigger-new-cold-war-668686">Senior IMF official warns fragmentation in global economy could trigger 'new Cold War'</a>&nbsp;

The Philippines said that the military chief General Romeo Brawner was on board the Filipino supply boat involved in the collision and called the actions of Chinese vessels a "serious escalation".&nbsp;

In a press conference where officials showed images and videos of the water cannons and the ramming, Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson of the National Security Council, said: "This is a serious escalation on the part of the agents of the People's Republic of China."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;China encroaches into Bhutanese territory

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<h2>China slams UK's groundless accusations&nbsp;</h2>

A spokesperson at the Chinese embassy in London said Beijing firmly opposes and strongly condemns the UK's "groundless accusations", and has lodged stern representations with the British side on this.&nbsp;

"We urge the British side to respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, stop stirring up trouble and sowing discord," the remarks posted on the embassy website said.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)&nbsp;

The United Kingdom on Monday (Dec 11) condemned "unsafe and escalatory tactics deployed by Chinese vessels" against the Philippines over the weekend in the South China Sea.

The United Kingdom on Monday (Dec 11) condemned "unsafe and escalatory tactics deployed by Chinese vessels" against the Philippines over the weekend in the South China Sea. In a statement, Britain's foreign office said: "The UK opposes any action which raises tensions, including harassment, unsafe conduct and intimidation tactics which increase the risk of miscalculation and threaten regional peace and stability." "Both China and the Philippines must adhere to the findings of the 2016 Arbitral Award proceedings, which are legally binding on both parties," it added. Also read: Australia-India trade pact shields students in the wake of new migration strategy The Philippine Coast Guard released videos which showed Chinese ships blasting water cannons at Philippine boats during two separate resupply missions to fishermen at Scarborough Shoal and a tiny garrison at Second Thomas Shoal on Saturday and Sunday. Manila claimed that there was also a collision between Philippine and Chinese boats at the Second Thomas Shoal. Notably, Thomas Shoal is a region where several Filipino troops are stationed on a grounded warship. Both countries have blamed each other. Also read: Senior IMF official warns fragmentation in global economy could trigger 'new Cold War' The Philippines said that the military chief General Romeo Brawner was on board the Filipino supply boat involved in the collision and called the actions of Chinese vessels a "serious escalation". In a press conference where officials showed images and videos of the water cannons and the ramming, Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson of the National Security Council, said: "This is a serious escalation on the part of the agents of the People's Republic of China." Watch: China encroaches into Bhutanese territory × China slams UK's groundless accusations A spokesperson at the Chinese embassy in London said Beijing firmly opposes and strongly condemns the UK's "groundless accusations", and has lodged stern representations with the British side on this. "We urge the British side to respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, stop stirring up trouble and sowing discord," the remarks posted on the embassy website said. (With input from agencies)

UK slams China over incidents in South China Sea against Philippines

The Philippines and China continue their blame game in the territory of the South China Sea. In the latest the Philippines has accused China of using water canons to obstruct three of its vessels.

What is behind rising China-Phillipines tensions? All you need to know

The Philippines has summoned China’s envoy, said the foreign ministry&nbsp;on Monday (Dec 11) amid some of the most tense confrontations between the countries’ vessels in the disputed South China Sea. Meanwhile, the United States has accused China of interfering in the Philippines’ maritime operations and undermining regional stability.&nbsp;

<h2>Philippines summons Chinese envoy</h2>

Philippines’ foreign ministry spokeswoman Teresita Daza during a press conference said that Manila has filed diplomatic protests and “the Chinese ambassador has also been summoned” amid a rise in tensions in the disputed South China Sea.&nbsp;

On Sunday (Dec 10), a Philippine coastguard official accused China of aggressive actions in the South China Sea, alleging that Chinese forces fired a water cannon and rammed two Philippine resupply vessels.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-accuses-china-of-ramming-using-water-cannon-on-resupply-vessels-in-south-china-sea-668091">Philippines accuses China of ramming, using water cannon on resupply vessels in South China Sea</a>

One of the Philippine ships sustained “serious engine damage” during the encounter, said the Philippine official, adding that China also “deliberately” rammed into another one.

The recent incident marked the second collision between Philippine and Chinese ships in the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal since October.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Serious escalation’</h2>

Daza said declaring China’s ambassador Huang Xilian as “persona non grata” in the Philippines was also “something that has to be seriously considered”.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the National Security Council in the Philippines told the reporters that the incident over the weekend was a “serious escalation” of Beijing’s tactics to assert their claim over the South China Sea.

Manila, on Monday also said that the vessel which was&nbsp;both sprayed with a water cannon and rammed was carrying&nbsp;a senior Philippine military official.&nbsp;

Philippine Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Romeo Brawner who was on board the vessel told&nbsp;radio station DZBB that he was not hurt by the incident&nbsp;and that he does not believe China knew he was on board the boat.&nbsp;

China has repeatedly claimed the entire South China Sea, including waters and islands near the shores of its neighbours as a part of its territory ignoring the verdict of an international tribunal which said that Beijing’s claims have no legal basis.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Dangerous and destabilizing’</h2>

Washington, on Monday (Dec 11) released a statement urging Beijing to stop its “dangerous and destabilizing conduct” in the South China Sea following the alleged ramming and water cannoning of Filipino boats by Chinese vessels which were on a resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal, where its soldiers are stationed.&nbsp;

“Obstructing supply lines to this longstanding outpost and interfering with lawful Philippines maritime operations undermines regional stability,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller&nbsp;in a Dec 10 statement shared by the US embassy in Manila on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-f-16-fighter-jet-crashes-in-south-korea-during-training-exercise-reports-668319">ALSO READ |&nbsp;US F-16 fighter jet crashes in South Korea during training exercise: Report</a>

The US also reiterated its support for its treaty ally, the Philippines, and reaffirmed its commitment to the mutual defence pact.&nbsp;

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. deemed the presence of Chinese coast guard vessels and maritime militia in his country’s waters as illegal and their actions against Filipinos as outright violations of international law.

In a post on X, he also said that Manila is determined to defend and protect its nation’s sovereign rights in the South China Sea amid “aggression and provocations” by Beijing.

<h2>How has China responded?</h2>

China, on Monday (Dec 11) released a statement responding to the allegations by the Philippines and called its actions&nbsp;"professional" and "restrained".&nbsp;

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing's Coast Guard "took necessary measures against the Philippine ships in accordance with domestic and international law". She added,&nbsp;"The operations were professional, restrained, reasonable and legal."&nbsp;

Beijing's&nbsp;foreign ministry, Mao added, "has lodged stern representations with the Philippines and expresses its strong protest".

Beijing also urged Manila to immediately stop its violations, control its provocative actions, and “refrain from shooting itself in the foot”, in a commentary piece in China’s official military newspaper, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

The PLA Daily added that “some hegemonic countries” have resorted to “instigating trouble, creating division and inciting confrontation” in the South China Sea, and that those countries “openly endorsed” illegal infringement and provocation by the Philippines.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-announces-stricter-visa-rules-for-students-workers-as-it-prepares-to-overhaul-immigration-system-668343">&nbsp;Australia announces stricter visa rules for students, workers as it prepares to overhaul immigration system</a>

“It must be pointed out that the Philippines’ actions are closely connected to the instigation and abetment of external forces,” said the military newspaper, without naming any government.&nbsp;

In response to the incident over the weekend, the Chinese Coast Guard said it would continue to carry out “law-enforcement activities” in its waters.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Philippines has summoned China’s envoy, said the foreign ministry on Monday (Dec 11) amid some of the most tense confrontations between the countries’ vessels in the disputed South China Sea.

The Philippines has summoned China’s envoy, said the foreign ministry on Monday (Dec 11) amid some of the most tense confrontations between the countries’ vessels in the disputed South China Sea. Meanwhile, the United States has accused China of interfering in the Philippines’ maritime operations and undermining regional stability. Philippines summons Chinese envoy Philippines’ foreign ministry spokeswoman Teresita Daza during a press conference said that Manila has filed diplomatic protests and “the Chinese ambassador has also been summoned” amid a rise in tensions in the disputed South China Sea. On Sunday (Dec 10), a Philippine coastguard official accused China of aggressive actions in the South China Sea, alleging that Chinese forces fired a water cannon and rammed two Philippine resupply vessels. ALSO READ | Philippines accuses China of ramming, using water cannon on resupply vessels in South China Sea One of the Philippine ships sustained “serious engine damage” during the encounter, said the Philippine official, adding that China also “deliberately” rammed into another one. The recent incident marked the second collision between Philippine and Chinese ships in the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal since October. ‘Serious escalation’ Daza said declaring China’s ambassador Huang Xilian as “persona non grata” in the Philippines was also “something that has to be seriously considered”. Meanwhile, Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the National Security Council in the Philippines told the reporters that the incident over the weekend was a “serious escalation” of Beijing’s tactics to assert their claim over the South China Sea. Manila, on Monday also said that the vessel which was both sprayed with a water cannon and rammed was carrying a senior Philippine military official. Philippine Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Romeo Brawner who was on board the vessel told radio station DZBB that he was not hurt by the incident and that he does not believe China knew he was on board the boat. China has repeatedly claimed the entire South China Sea, including waters and islands near the shores of its neighbours as a part of its territory ignoring the verdict of an international tribunal which said that Beijing’s claims have no legal basis. ‘Dangerous and destabilizing’ Washington, on Monday (Dec 11) released a statement urging Beijing to stop its “dangerous and destabilizing conduct” in the South China Sea following the alleged ramming and water cannoning of Filipino boats by Chinese vessels which were on a resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal, where its soldiers are stationed. “Obstructing supply lines to this longstanding outpost and interfering with lawful Philippines maritime operations undermines regional stability,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller in a Dec 10 statement shared by the US embassy in Manila on Monday. ALSO READ | US F-16 fighter jet crashes in South Korea during training exercise: Report The US also reiterated its support for its treaty ally, the Philippines, and reaffirmed its commitment to the mutual defence pact. Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. deemed the presence of Chinese coast guard vessels and maritime militia in his country’s waters as illegal and their actions against Filipinos as outright violations of international law. In a post on X, he also said that Manila is determined to defend and protect its nation’s sovereign rights in the South China Sea amid “aggression and provocations” by Beijing. How has China responded? China, on Monday (Dec 11) released a statement responding to the allegations by the Philippines and called its actions "professional" and "restrained". Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing's Coast Guard "took necessary measures against the Philippine ships in accordance with domestic and international law". She added, "The operations were professional, restrained, reasonable and legal." Beijing's foreign ministry, Mao added, "has lodged stern representations with the Philippines and expresses its strong protest". Beijing also urged Manila to immediately stop its violations, control its provocative actions, and “refrain from shooting itself in the foot”, in a commentary piece in China’s official military newspaper, reported Reuters. The PLA Daily added that “some hegemonic countries” have resorted to “instigating trouble, creating division and inciting confrontation” in the South China Sea, and that those countries “openly endorsed” illegal infringement and provocation by the Philippines. ALSO READ | Australia announces stricter visa rules for students, workers as it prepares to overhaul immigration system “It must be pointed out that the Philippines’ actions are closely connected to the instigation and abetment of external forces,” said the military newspaper, without naming any government. In response to the incident over the weekend, the Chinese Coast Guard said it would continue to carry out “law-enforcement activities” in its waters. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippines summons Chinese envoy over S.China Sea row; US accuses Beijing of undermining regional stability

Philippines summons Chinese ambassador for an answer on South China Sea confrontations

A Philippine coastguard official has accused China of aggressive actions in the South China Sea, alleging that Chinese forces fired water cannon and rammed two Philippine resupply vessels on Sunday (Dec 10).

According to Jay Tarriela, a coast guard spokesperson, one of the Philippine ships sustained "serious engine damage" during the encounter.

This marks the second collision between Philippine and Chinese ships in the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal since October.&nbsp;

The shoal, situated in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, is uninhabited but strategically significant, housing Filipino soldiers aboard a grounded warship since 1999 to safeguard Manila's claims in the disputed waters.

Also watch |&nbsp;Manila accuses Beijing of shooting water canons at its boats

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<h2>Chinese response and previous incidents</h2>

As of now, Chinese officials have not provided an immediate comment on the allegations made by the Philippine coastguard.

The clash follows another incident on Saturday when the Philippines condemned China's actions as "illegal and aggressive" after the Chinese coast guard reportedly used water cannon against a civilian government vessel belonging to the Philippines' fisheries bureau.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-italy-now-philippines-jumps-off-the-belt-and-road-bandwagon-is-xi-jinpings-bri-exploitative-655395">Also read |&nbsp;First Italy, now Philippines jumps off the Belt and Road bandwagon: Is Xi Jinping's BRI exploitative?</a>

The collision occurred as a Christmas convoy, consisting of around 40 Philippine vessels, set sail on a mission to the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

The convoy includes over 200 fishermen, youth leaders, and civil society groups, aligning with the Atin Ito (This is Ours) campaign network's efforts.

The campaign is a civilian-led advocacy initiative aimed at asserting the Philippines' rights in the South China Sea amid longstanding territorial disputes.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Philippine coastguard official has accused China of aggressive actions in the South China Sea, alleging that Chinese forces fired water cannon and rammed two Philippine resupply vessels on Sunday (Dec 10).

A Philippine coastguard official has accused China of aggressive actions in the South China Sea, alleging that Chinese forces fired water cannon and rammed two Philippine resupply vessels on Sunday (Dec 10). According to Jay Tarriela, a coast guard spokesperson, one of the Philippine ships sustained "serious engine damage" during the encounter. This marks the second collision between Philippine and Chinese ships in the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal since October. The shoal, situated in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, is uninhabited but strategically significant, housing Filipino soldiers aboard a grounded warship since 1999 to safeguard Manila's claims in the disputed waters. Also watch | Manila accuses Beijing of shooting water canons at its boats Chinese response and previous incidents As of now, Chinese officials have not provided an immediate comment on the allegations made by the Philippine coastguard. The clash follows another incident on Saturday when the Philippines condemned China's actions as "illegal and aggressive" after the Chinese coast guard reportedly used water cannon against a civilian government vessel belonging to the Philippines' fisheries bureau. Also read | First Italy, now Philippines jumps off the Belt and Road bandwagon: Is Xi Jinping's BRI exploitative? The collision occurred as a Christmas convoy, consisting of around 40 Philippine vessels, set sail on a mission to the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. The convoy includes over 200 fishermen, youth leaders, and civil society groups, aligning with the Atin Ito (This is Ours) campaign network's efforts. The campaign is a civilian-led advocacy initiative aimed at asserting the Philippines' rights in the South China Sea amid longstanding territorial disputes. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippines accuses China of ramming, using water cannon on resupply vessels in South China Sea

Manila accuses Beijing of shooting water canons at its boats

Manila blames Chinese Coats Guard of ramming into its boat

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;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-defence-contractors-register-stellar-profit-for-fourth-consecutive-year-in-a-row-sipri-666019">China defence contractors register stellar profit for fourth consecutive year in a row: SIPRI</a>&nbsp;

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;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prominent-jailed-hong-kong-activist-agnes-chow-moves-to-canada-breaks-silence-after-more-than-2-years-665978">Prominent jailed Hong Kong activist Agnes Chow moves to Canada, breaks silence after more than 2 years</a>&nbsp;

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

The Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) said on Sunday (Dec 3) that it monitored the illegal presence of more than 135 Chinese maritime militia vessels at a reef in the South China Sea. In a statement posted on X, Coast Guard officer Jay Tarriela said that on Nov 13, the PCG monitored 111 Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) swarming the area of Julian Felipe Reef, and this number increased to 125 based on the last monitoring of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.&nbsp;

Tarriela said that in response to this alarming development, authorities directed the PCG to carry out a maritime patrol to challenge and document the illegal presence of the CMM in Julian Felipe Reef.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-accuses-china-of-dangerous-actions-in-south-china-sea-657154">Philippines accuses China of 'dangerous' actions in South China Sea</a>

"Yesterday, the PCG Commandant, Coast Guard Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, deployed PCG vessels, BRP Sindangan and BRP Cabra, to conduct patrols in the immediate vicinity of Julian Felipe Reef. No response was made to the radio challenges issued by the PCG to the CMM vessels which is now estimated to have grown to more than 135 vessels dispersed and scattered within Julian Felipe Reef," he added.

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Here are the the photos: <a href="https://t.co/I8rEH8ADDJ">pic.twitter.com/I8rEH8ADDJ</a>
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The Julian Felipe Reef is located 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan. It is considered a low-tide elevation within the territorial sea of relevant high-tide features in the Kalayaan Island Group, including Chigua Reef, over which the Philippines has sovereignty.

This development comes two days after the Philippines built a new coast guard station on the Thitu Island in the South China Sea. The country's outpost of the island is its biggest and most strategically important in the South China Sea.

Thitu lies about 480 kilometres west of the Philippine province of Palawan. The island is home to about 200 people and is used by Manila to maintain its territorial claim.

The three-storey Coast Guard station, inaugurated on Friday, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as radar, automatic identification, satellite communication, and coastal cameras, the PCG said in a statement.

During a visit to Thitu, Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said, "The behaviour of the Chinese Coast Guard, People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and Chinese militias are sometimes unpredictable."

"They do not adhere to the international order, to the rule of law," he added.&nbsp;

The Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) said on Sunday (Dec 3) that it monitored the illegal presence of more than 135 Chinese maritime militia vessels at a reef in the South China Sea.

The Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) said on Sunday (Dec 3) that it monitored the illegal presence of more than 135 Chinese maritime militia vessels at a reef in the South China Sea. In a statement posted on X, Coast Guard officer Jay Tarriela said that on Nov 13, the PCG monitored 111 Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) swarming the area of Julian Felipe Reef, and this number increased to 125 based on the last monitoring of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Tarriela said that in response to this alarming development, authorities directed the PCG to carry out a maritime patrol to challenge and document the illegal presence of the CMM in Julian Felipe Reef. Also read: Philippines accuses China of 'dangerous' actions in South China Sea "Yesterday, the PCG Commandant, Coast Guard Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, deployed PCG vessels, BRP Sindangan and BRP Cabra, to conduct patrols in the immediate vicinity of Julian Felipe Reef. No response was made to the radio challenges issued by the PCG to the CMM vessels which is now estimated to have grown to more than 135 vessels dispersed and scattered within Julian Felipe Reef," he added. Here are the the photos: pic.twitter.com/I8rEH8ADDJ — Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) December 3, 2023 × The Julian Felipe Reef is located 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan. It is considered a low-tide elevation within the territorial sea of relevant high-tide features in the Kalayaan Island Group, including Chigua Reef, over which the Philippines has sovereignty. This development comes two days after the Philippines built a new coast guard station on the Thitu Island in the South China Sea. The country's outpost of the island is its biggest and most strategically important in the South China Sea. Thitu lies about 480 kilometres west of the Philippine province of Palawan. The island is home to about 200 people and is used by Manila to maintain its territorial claim. The three-storey Coast Guard station, inaugurated on Friday, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as radar, automatic identification, satellite communication, and coastal cameras, the PCG said in a statement. During a visit to Thitu, Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said, "The behaviour of the Chinese Coast Guard, People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and Chinese militias are sometimes unpredictable." "They do not adhere to the international order, to the rule of law," he added.

Philippines says it monitored illegal presence of over 135 Chinese vessels in South China Sea

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has said that disputes over the South China Sea should not define bilateral relations with China. The two leaders met on Friday to find a way to diffuse tensions over the territorial rights in the busy Waterway.

US and China trade accusations regarding the US vessel in the South China Sea

South China sea dispute: Is Philippines risking confrontation?

Philippines and China see tense confrontation over maritime claims

US reacted on Sunday (Nov 26) after it faced a stern warning from the Chinese military when the American warship - the guided-missile destroyer - USS Hopper, reportedly entered waters off the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea.

In response to China's reaction over the warship, the US Navy reportedly said that the Hopper had "asserted navigational rights in the South China Sea near the Paracel Islands, consistent with international law".

This comes as the spokesperson for China's People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command, Senior Colonel Tian Junli, condemned the alleged intrusion as a serious violation of China's sovereignty and security. He also accused the US of pursuing "navigation hegemony" and contributing to the "militarisation of the South China Sea."

The PLA's Southern Theater Command deployed air and naval forces to monitor and force out the USS Hopper.

The PLA spokesperson said that the command will be on high alert in order to address the need to safeguard national sovereignty and maintain peace and stability in the region.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-germany-forcing-ukraine-to-end-war-with-russia-and-ready-to-accept-new-boundary-report-663043">US, Germany forcing Ukraine to end war with Russia and ready to accept new boundary: Report</a>

He termed United States as a "security risk maker in the South China Sea" and called it the "biggest" peace and stability "destroyer" in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>US-Philippines drills&nbsp;</h2>

Philippines and the United States troops launched joint patrols on November 21 in waters near Taiwan.&nbsp;This was followed by China's accusations against the Philippines of collaborating with "foreign forces" for joint patrols in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

Deputy spokesperson for the US' 7th Fleet Lieutenant Kristina Weidemann, reportedly said, "The United States challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant. Unlawful and sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea pose a serious threat to the freedom of the seas."&nbsp;

The Philippines and Australia also initiated joint sea and air patrols which further contributed to the complex dynamics in the area and a slew of accusations and counter accusations.&nbsp;

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US and China, in the latest, held "candid" talks on maritime issues, where the US expressed concerns about "dangerous and unlawful" Chinese actions in the South China Sea.

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China claims almost the entire region, a contention rejected by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016.

(With inputs from agencies)

US reacted on Sunday (Nov 26) after it faced a stern warning from the Chinese military when the American warship - the guided-missile destroyer - USS Hopper, reportedly entered waters off the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea.

US reacted on Sunday (Nov 26) after it faced a stern warning from the Chinese military when the American warship - the guided-missile destroyer - USS Hopper, reportedly entered waters off the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea. In response to China's reaction over the warship, the US Navy reportedly said that the Hopper had "asserted navigational rights in the South China Sea near the Paracel Islands, consistent with international law". This comes as the spokesperson for China's People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command, Senior Colonel Tian Junli, condemned the alleged intrusion as a serious violation of China's sovereignty and security. He also accused the US of pursuing "navigation hegemony" and contributing to the "militarisation of the South China Sea." The PLA's Southern Theater Command deployed air and naval forces to monitor and force out the USS Hopper. The PLA spokesperson said that the command will be on high alert in order to address the need to safeguard national sovereignty and maintain peace and stability in the region. Also Read | US, Germany forcing Ukraine to end war with Russia and ready to accept new boundary: Report He termed United States as a "security risk maker in the South China Sea" and called it the "biggest" peace and stability "destroyer" in the region. US-Philippines drills Philippines and the United States troops launched joint patrols on November 21 in waters near Taiwan. This was followed by China's accusations against the Philippines of collaborating with "foreign forces" for joint patrols in the South China Sea. Deputy spokesperson for the US' 7th Fleet Lieutenant Kristina Weidemann, reportedly said, "The United States challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant. Unlawful and sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea pose a serious threat to the freedom of the seas." The Philippines and Australia also initiated joint sea and air patrols which further contributed to the complex dynamics in the area and a slew of accusations and counter accusations. Also Read | Death toll from flooding in Somalia climbs to nearly 100 US and China, in the latest, held "candid" talks on maritime issues, where the US expressed concerns about "dangerous and unlawful" Chinese actions in the South China Sea. Watch | First batch of humanitarian aid supplies since temporary truce reaches Gaza × China claims almost the entire region, a contention rejected by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016. (With inputs from agencies)

US raps PLA for accusing it of being 'security risk maker' in South China Sea

The militaries of the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;and the United States launched joint patrols on Tuesday in waters near Taiwan, officials of the Southeast Asian nation said, a move likely to fan further tension with China.

Security engagements between the treaty allies have soared this year, including a decision to almost double the number of Philippine bases the American military can access, some facing Taiwan, and their largest-ever joint military drill in April.

This week's three-day joint air and maritime exercise was a "significant initiative" to boost interoperability between the two, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.

"I am confident this ... will contribute to a more secure and stable environment for our people," he said on social media platform X.

The drill would start off in Mavulis island, the&nbsp;Philippines' northernmost point, located about 100 km (62 miles) off Taiwan, said Eugene Cabusao, spokesperson for the Northern Luzon command.

It will end in the West Philippine Sea, the name Manila uses for waters in the South China Sea that fall within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The Philippine military said three navy vessels, two FA-50 light combat aircraft and an A-29B Super Tucano light attack plane would participate, while the United States would send a littoral combat ship and a P8-A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.

The news comes a day after Marcos told a forum in Hawaii the situation in the South China Sea had become more "dire", with the Chinese military inching closer to the Philippine coastline.

The patrols, which are likely to irk China, are a sign the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;is stepping up its defence posture amid what it described as China's "aggressive activities" in the highly strategic waters, long seen as a potential flashpoint between the United States and China.

"China believes that defense and security cooperation between countries needs to be conducive to regional peace and stability. They should not escalate tensions or undermine trust between countries, still less target any third party," China's Washington embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said.

China's embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China claims most of the South China Sea on the basis of a "nine-dash line" that stretches as far as 1,500 km (900 miles) south of its mainland, cutting into the EEZs of rival claimants Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;and Vietnam.

Marcos has forged closer ties with Washington since assuming office last year after a testy relationship with former President Rodrigo Duterte, who had pivoted closer to Beijing in exchange for infrastructure projects and investments.

Ties with China have soured under Marcos, with repeated standoffs between Chinese and Filipino vessels in waters claimed by both countries, prompting heated exchanges of rhetoric and concerns of an escalation.

Marcos recently met Chinese President Xi Jinping in a bid to reduce the tension.

The joint patrol with the United States showed that Manila was making a stand over the South China Sea, said Jay Batongbacal, director of the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea in Manila, the capital.

"It shows that the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;is really firming up its posture on West Philippine Sea issues," Batongbacal said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The militaries of the Philippines and the United States launched joint patrols on Tuesday in waters near Taiwan, officials of the Southeast Asian nation said, a move likely to fan further tension with China.

The militaries of the Philippines and the United States launched joint patrols on Tuesday in waters near Taiwan, officials of the Southeast Asian nation said, a move likely to fan further tension with China. Security engagements between the treaty allies have soared this year, including a decision to almost double the number of Philippine bases the American military can access, some facing Taiwan, and their largest-ever joint military drill in April. This week's three-day joint air and maritime exercise was a "significant initiative" to boost interoperability between the two, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said. "I am confident this ... will contribute to a more secure and stable environment for our people," he said on social media platform X. The drill would start off in Mavulis island, the Philippines' northernmost point, located about 100 km (62 miles) off Taiwan, said Eugene Cabusao, spokesperson for the Northern Luzon command. It will end in the West Philippine Sea, the name Manila uses for waters in the South China Sea that fall within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Philippine military said three navy vessels, two FA-50 light combat aircraft and an A-29B Super Tucano light attack plane would participate, while the United States would send a littoral combat ship and a P8-A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. The news comes a day after Marcos told a forum in Hawaii the situation in the South China Sea had become more "dire", with the Chinese military inching closer to the Philippine coastline. The patrols, which are likely to irk China, are a sign the Philippines is stepping up its defence posture amid what it described as China's "aggressive activities" in the highly strategic waters, long seen as a potential flashpoint between the United States and China. "China believes that defense and security cooperation between countries needs to be conducive to regional peace and stability. They should not escalate tensions or undermine trust between countries, still less target any third party," China's Washington embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. China's embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China claims most of the South China Sea on the basis of a "nine-dash line" that stretches as far as 1,500 km (900 miles) south of its mainland, cutting into the EEZs of rival claimants Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Marcos has forged closer ties with Washington since assuming office last year after a testy relationship with former President Rodrigo Duterte, who had pivoted closer to Beijing in exchange for infrastructure projects and investments. Ties with China have soured under Marcos, with repeated standoffs between Chinese and Filipino vessels in waters claimed by both countries, prompting heated exchanges of rhetoric and concerns of an escalation. Marcos recently met Chinese President Xi Jinping in a bid to reduce the tension. The joint patrol with the United States showed that Manila was making a stand over the South China Sea, said Jay Batongbacal, director of the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea in Manila, the capital. "It shows that the Philippines is really firming up its posture on West Philippine Sea issues," Batongbacal said. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippines launches joint sea, air patrols with US military

Philippines: South China Sea dispute should not define ties

Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, in a sobering assessment of the South China Sea, labelled the current situation as 'fragile'.

Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD-2023), Admiral Kumar expressed deep concerns over recent violations in that part of the world, underscoring the imminent danger several of these actions pose to the established order at sea.

"The fragile security situation in the South China Sea, in addition to the happening of violations of established Codes of Conduct or Confidence Building Measures, poses a clear and present danger to good order and discipline at sea," warned Admiral Kumar.&nbsp;

In recent weeks, Chinese aggressive actions have heightened tensions in the South China Sea, including a collision between a Chinese and a Filipino supply boat within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

China's territorial claims, particularly the contentious "9-dash line," have drawn sharp rebukes from regional neighbours. This is even as Beijing has been involved in a tense border situation with India.&nbsp;

Admiral Kumar stressed the multifaceted consequences of contestation at sea, encompassing economic, social, and physical security. He illustrated these concerns with two compelling examples during his address.

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"The blockage of Suez Canal by MV Ever Given in 2021, though not an outcome of military contestation or conflict, is a stark reminder of how economic security could be threatened by a small incident," explained Admiral Kumar.

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The Suez Canal, spanning 193 km, facilitates 12 per cent of global trade, transports one million barrels of oil daily, and contributes 2 per cent to Egypt's GDP. The six-day blockade resulted in an estimated economic loss of $60 billion globally.

Turning to the ongoing conflict in Europe, Admiral Kumar highlighted the disruption of Black Sea shipping lanes.

"This conflict disturbed grain exports from Russia and Ukraine, which together provide 30 per cent wheat, 75 per cent sunflower oil, and 20 per cent maize of the world's supply," he said.

The repercussions of this disruption sparked global panic, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East, which heavily rely on grain imports from the region.

Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, in a sobering assessment of the South China Sea, labelled the current situation as 'fragile'. Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD-2023), Admiral Kumar expressed deep concerns over recent violations in that part of the world, underscoring the imminent danger several of these actions pose to the established order at sea.

Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, in a sobering assessment of the South China Sea, labelled the current situation as 'fragile'. Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD-2023), Admiral Kumar expressed deep concerns over recent violations in that part of the world, underscoring the imminent danger several of these actions pose to the established order at sea. "The fragile security situation in the South China Sea, in addition to the happening of violations of established Codes of Conduct or Confidence Building Measures, poses a clear and present danger to good order and discipline at sea," warned Admiral Kumar. In recent weeks, Chinese aggressive actions have heightened tensions in the South China Sea, including a collision between a Chinese and a Filipino supply boat within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). China's territorial claims, particularly the contentious "9-dash line," have drawn sharp rebukes from regional neighbours. This is even as Beijing has been involved in a tense border situation with India. Admiral Kumar stressed the multifaceted consequences of contestation at sea, encompassing economic, social, and physical security. He illustrated these concerns with two compelling examples during his address. Also read | Watch | Earthquakes in Iceland cause massive cracks on roads, smoke rises from ground "The blockage of Suez Canal by MV Ever Given in 2021, though not an outcome of military contestation or conflict, is a stark reminder of how economic security could be threatened by a small incident," explained Admiral Kumar. Also read | ‘One in 50 million chance’: US woman with rare double uterus pregnant in both The Suez Canal, spanning 193 km, facilitates 12 per cent of global trade, transports one million barrels of oil daily, and contributes 2 per cent to Egypt's GDP. The six-day blockade resulted in an estimated economic loss of $60 billion globally. Turning to the ongoing conflict in Europe, Admiral Kumar highlighted the disruption of Black Sea shipping lanes. "This conflict disturbed grain exports from Russia and Ukraine, which together provide 30 per cent wheat, 75 per cent sunflower oil, and 20 per cent maize of the world's supply," he said. The repercussions of this disruption sparked global panic, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East, which heavily rely on grain imports from the region.

'Fragile' South China Sea situation poses clear maritime danger: Indian Navy chief

The Philippines accused the Chinese coast guard Friday of "dangerous harassment" of Filipino boats in the disputed South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea, including firing a water cannon.&nbsp;

The latest incident near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands comes nearly three weeks after two collisions between Chinese and Philippine vessels during a resupply mission to the same tiny garrison.

The countries, which have a long history of maritime disputes in the hotly contested waters, traded blame for those incidents.

On Friday, Manila said the Chinese coast guard and other vessels "recklessly harassed, blocked, executed dangerous maneuvers" as they tried to "illegally impede or obstruct a routine resupply" of Filipino troops at the outpost.&nbsp;

The Philippines' National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea&nbsp;said in a statement a Chinese coast guard vessel had also fired a water cannon against a Philippine boat.

The task force said the Philippine embassy in Beijing lodged a protest with the Chinese foreign ministry over the incident.&nbsp;

But&nbsp;China&nbsp;said it "took control measures" against two Philippine transport ships and three coast guard vessels it insisted were in Chinese waters.

"The Philippines' actions infringe on&nbsp;China's territorial sovereignty,"&nbsp;China&nbsp;Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu said.

"We urge the Philippines to immediately stop its infringing actions."

A handful of Filipino troops are stationed on the crumbling BRP Sierra Madre, which the Philippine Navy grounded on the reef in 1999 to check&nbsp;China's advance in the waters.

The troops depend on the resupply missions for their survival.

China&nbsp;claims almost the entire South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually, and has ignored a 2016 international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

Over the past decade or so, Beijing has deployed vessels to patrol the waters, swarm reefs and built artificial islands that it has militarised to reinforce its stance. &nbsp;

Second Thomas Shoal is about 200 kilometres (124 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan, and more than 1,000 kilometres from&nbsp;China's nearest major landmass, Hainan island.

The Marcos administration has publicly criticised Chinese actions in the South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea, publishing photos and videos to support its claims of Chinese harassment and the blocking of its vessels.

Beijing has released its own images of the incidents.

The Philippines accused the Chinese coast guard Friday of "dangerous harassment" of Filipino boats in the disputed South China Sea, including firing a water cannon.

The Philippines accused the Chinese coast guard Friday of "dangerous harassment" of Filipino boats in the disputed South China Sea, including firing a water cannon. The latest incident near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands comes nearly three weeks after two collisions between Chinese and Philippine vessels during a resupply mission to the same tiny garrison. The countries, which have a long history of maritime disputes in the hotly contested waters, traded blame for those incidents. On Friday, Manila said the Chinese coast guard and other vessels "recklessly harassed, blocked, executed dangerous maneuvers" as they tried to "illegally impede or obstruct a routine resupply" of Filipino troops at the outpost. The Philippines' National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said in a statement a Chinese coast guard vessel had also fired a water cannon against a Philippine boat. The task force said the Philippine embassy in Beijing lodged a protest with the Chinese foreign ministry over the incident. But China said it "took control measures" against two Philippine transport ships and three coast guard vessels it insisted were in Chinese waters. "The Philippines' actions infringe on China's territorial sovereignty," China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu said. "We urge the Philippines to immediately stop its infringing actions." A handful of Filipino troops are stationed on the crumbling BRP Sierra Madre, which the Philippine Navy grounded on the reef in 1999 to check China's advance in the waters. The troops depend on the resupply missions for their survival. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually, and has ignored a 2016 international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. Over the past decade or so, Beijing has deployed vessels to patrol the waters, swarm reefs and built artificial islands that it has militarised to reinforce its stance. Second Thomas Shoal is about 200 kilometres (124 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan, and more than 1,000 kilometres from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan island. The Marcos administration has publicly criticised Chinese actions in the South China Sea, publishing photos and videos to support its claims of Chinese harassment and the blocking of its vessels. Beijing has released its own images of the incidents.

Philippines accuses China of 'dangerous' actions in South China Sea

The Philippines has delivered a significant blow to China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)&nbsp;by opting to exit the trillion-dollar infrastructure project of President Xi Jinping.

The announcement followed a recent collision between a Philippines boat and a Chinese coastguard vessel in the South China Sea. Furthermore, China's military alleged that a Philippines military ship entered waters near Scarborough Shoal without permission.

The Philippines' decision comes on the heels of the grand Belt and Road Initiative Summit in Beijing&nbsp;where &nbsp;President Xi &nbsp;welcomed leaders and delegates from over 140 nations to commemorate the project's decade-long journey.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-radio-broadcaster-shot-dead-inside-studio-president-orders-probe-655372">Philippines'</a> Department of Transportation has announced the "full termination" of several major infrastructure projects previously partnered with China.&nbsp;

Instead, the Philippines is turning to Japanese and other Western counterparts, signalling the uphill battle that many of China's key investment initiatives face in the country due to a mix of economic and political factors.

This decision also accentuates the ongoing friction between the Philippines and China regarding their territorial disputes in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-philippines-vessels-collide-us-china-violated-international-law-650384">South China Sea</a>.

"Manila has to contend with serious public anger against China's claims over and capture of Philippines territory in the South China Sea. Its run-ins against Filipino vessels in these waters indicate a complete lack of respect for international law as well as of Filipino interests," Dr Jabin Jacob, Associate Professor, Department of International Relations and Governance Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, told WION.&nbsp;

"China is unambiguously playing the bully, attempting to coerce the Philippines into accepting Chinese power in the South China Sea. Under the circumstances, Manila, took a clear and decisive step of its own - one that is calculated to show up China's foreign policy in general and its pet project of the BRI, in particular," notes Dr Jacob.&nbsp;

Jaime Batista, the Philippine Transportation Secretary, announced the dropping of $4 billion in Chinese infrastructure projects, which involved two railway projects in Luzon and Mindanao.

"We have three projects that won't be funded by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-decries-bidens-vow-to-defend-philippines-if-its-attacked-651494">Chinese</a> government anymore. We can't wait forever, and it seems like China isn't that interested anymore," Batista said during a forum organised by European investors in Manila.&nbsp;

Based on the latest data from the China Global Investment Tracker, China's participation in the BRI has seen investments well below its decade-long average of $94 billion since the beginning of 2020.

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<h2>Is China's BRI model exploitative?</h2>

A mere few weeks ago, Italy, the singular G7 member engaged in the BRI, declared its plan&nbsp;to discontinue its participation by the end of the year, citing unmet project expectations.

"Apart from a bilateral cost-benefit analysis - BRI projects often promise a great deal more than they actually deliver," says Dr Jacob.&nbsp;

According to a report by Bloomberg, the overall activity within the BRI has decreased significantly by 40 per cent from its peak in 2018, primarily due to economic troubles in China and the debt issues affecting participating nations.

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A substantial number of those receiving financial support from China are also grappling with considerable debt burdens. One of the most prominent instances of this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/data-lab-shin-yan-6-in-question-is-china-arm-twisting-sri-lanka-to-comply-with-its-demands-653135">debt entanglement is Sri Lanka</a>, which finds itself ensnared in a relentless cycle of Chinese coercion.

"Countries like Italy and the Philippines are also reconsidering their association with Chinese projects from a wider geopolitical lens. Italy, for example, cannot ignore the wider European concerns about China's mercantilism, its interference and influence operations in the domestic politics of other countries and about Chinese technology," Dr Jacob adds.&nbsp;

Also watch this report:

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The Philippines has delivered a significant blow to China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by opting to exit the trillion-dollar infrastructure project of President Xi Jinping.

The Philippines has delivered a significant blow to China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by opting to exit the trillion-dollar infrastructure project of President Xi Jinping. The announcement followed a recent collision between a Philippines boat and a Chinese coastguard vessel in the South China Sea. Furthermore, China's military alleged that a Philippines military ship entered waters near Scarborough Shoal without permission. The Philippines' decision comes on the heels of the grand Belt and Road Initiative Summit in Beijing where President Xi welcomed leaders and delegates from over 140 nations to commemorate the project's decade-long journey. The Philippines' Department of Transportation has announced the "full termination" of several major infrastructure projects previously partnered with China. Instead, the Philippines is turning to Japanese and other Western counterparts, signalling the uphill battle that many of China's key investment initiatives face in the country due to a mix of economic and political factors. This decision also accentuates the ongoing friction between the Philippines and China regarding their territorial disputes in the South China Sea. "Manila has to contend with serious public anger against China's claims over and capture of Philippines territory in the South China Sea. Its run-ins against Filipino vessels in these waters indicate a complete lack of respect for international law as well as of Filipino interests," Dr Jabin Jacob, Associate Professor, Department of International Relations and Governance Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, told WION. "China is unambiguously playing the bully, attempting to coerce the Philippines into accepting Chinese power in the South China Sea. Under the circumstances, Manila, took a clear and decisive step of its own - one that is calculated to show up China's foreign policy in general and its pet project of the BRI, in particular," notes Dr Jacob. Jaime Batista, the Philippine Transportation Secretary, announced the dropping of $4 billion in Chinese infrastructure projects, which involved two railway projects in Luzon and Mindanao. "We have three projects that won't be funded by the Chinese government anymore. We can't wait forever, and it seems like China isn't that interested anymore," Batista said during a forum organised by European investors in Manila. Based on the latest data from the China Global Investment Tracker, China's participation in the BRI has seen investments well below its decade-long average of $94 billion since the beginning of 2020. × Is China's BRI model exploitative? A mere few weeks ago, Italy, the singular G7 member engaged in the BRI, declared its plan to discontinue its participation by the end of the year, citing unmet project expectations. "Apart from a bilateral cost-benefit analysis - BRI projects often promise a great deal more than they actually deliver," says Dr Jacob. According to a report by Bloomberg, the overall activity within the BRI has decreased significantly by 40 per cent from its peak in 2018, primarily due to economic troubles in China and the debt issues affecting participating nations. × A substantial number of those receiving financial support from China are also grappling with considerable debt burdens. One of the most prominent instances of this debt entanglement is Sri Lanka, which finds itself ensnared in a relentless cycle of Chinese coercion. "Countries like Italy and the Philippines are also reconsidering their association with Chinese projects from a wider geopolitical lens. Italy, for example, cannot ignore the wider European concerns about China's mercantilism, its interference and influence operations in the domestic politics of other countries and about Chinese technology," Dr Jacob adds. Also watch this report:

First Italy, now Philippines jumps off the Belt and Road bandwagon: Is Xi Jinping's BRI exploitative?

Top officials from China and the United States held "constructive and candid" talks on a range of maritime issues in Beijing, the State Department said Friday (Nov 3).&nbsp;

This can be seen as another step in the modest process to thaw relations between the two nations ahead of a meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden this month in San Francisco.&nbsp;

Mark B Lambert, who is the US Department of State China coordinator and deputy assistant secretary for China and Taiwan, met the Chinese Director-General for Boundary and Ocean Affairs Hong Liang.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/humanoid-robots-to-shape-future-of-chinese-economy-ministry-hints-so-654841">Humanoid robots to shape future of Chinese economy? Ministry hints so</a>&nbsp;

The State Department said in a statement that the "two sides held substantive, constructive, and candid discussions on a range of maritime issues, including the situation in the South China Sea and East China Sea".&nbsp;

The statement further added that the US "underscored concerns" with Beijing's "dangerous and unlawful actions in the South China Sea".&nbsp;

It included China's "obstruction" last month of a Philippine resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal and "its unsafe intercept of a US aircraft on October 24".&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sizeable-hole-spotted-in-parachute-used-by-astronauts-landing-from-tiangong-space-station-watch-654309">Sizeable hole spotted in parachute used by astronauts landing from Tiangong space station</a>&nbsp;

The meeting was also confirmed by the Chinese state media, but it did not provide details.

As quoted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Rick Waters, said on Thursday that the danger of one of these close calls spinning out of control was serious. Waters served as the State Department's deputy assistant secretary for China and Taiwan until late June and is now managing director at the Eurasia Group.&nbsp;

Waters said, "Actually, in some ways the risk that I worry about next year are not even about the [US] election. It's … this dramatic increase in unsafe military intercepts of US and allied aircraft along [China's] periphery. These are happening now at a rate of two to three a week."&nbsp;

This meeting comes after recent high-level diplomacy, including talks between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Washington.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Anthony Albanese to hold talks with Xi Jinping&nbsp;

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China sought to shore up its vast territorial claims over virtually the entire South China Sea by building island bases on coral atolls nearly a decade ago.&nbsp;The United States&nbsp;responded by sending its warships through the region in what it calls freedom of operation missions.

The US has no claims itself but has deployed Navy ships and aircraft for decades to patrol and promote free navigation in international waterway and airspace.

China routinely objects to any action by the US&nbsp;Military in the region. The other parties the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei&nbsp;claim all or part of the sea, through which approximately $5 trillion in goods are shipped every year.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Top officials from China and the United States held "constructive and candid" talks on a range of maritime issues in Beijing, the State Department said Friday (Nov 3).

Top officials from China and the United States held "constructive and candid" talks on a range of maritime issues in Beijing, the State Department said Friday (Nov 3). This can be seen as another step in the modest process to thaw relations between the two nations ahead of a meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden this month in San Francisco. Mark B Lambert, who is the US Department of State China coordinator and deputy assistant secretary for China and Taiwan, met the Chinese Director-General for Boundary and Ocean Affairs Hong Liang. Also read: Humanoid robots to shape future of Chinese economy? Ministry hints so The State Department said in a statement that the "two sides held substantive, constructive, and candid discussions on a range of maritime issues, including the situation in the South China Sea and East China Sea". The statement further added that the US "underscored concerns" with Beijing's "dangerous and unlawful actions in the South China Sea". It included China's "obstruction" last month of a Philippine resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal and "its unsafe intercept of a US aircraft on October 24". Also read: Sizeable hole spotted in parachute used by astronauts landing from Tiangong space station The meeting was also confirmed by the Chinese state media, but it did not provide details. As quoted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Rick Waters, said on Thursday that the danger of one of these close calls spinning out of control was serious. Waters served as the State Department's deputy assistant secretary for China and Taiwan until late June and is now managing director at the Eurasia Group. Waters said, "Actually, in some ways the risk that I worry about next year are not even about the [US] election. It's … this dramatic increase in unsafe military intercepts of US and allied aircraft along [China's] periphery. These are happening now at a rate of two to three a week." This meeting comes after recent high-level diplomacy, including talks between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Washington. Watch: Anthony Albanese to hold talks with Xi Jinping × China sought to shore up its vast territorial claims over virtually the entire South China Sea by building island bases on coral atolls nearly a decade ago. The United States responded by sending its warships through the region in what it calls freedom of operation missions. The US has no claims itself but has deployed Navy ships and aircraft for decades to patrol and promote free navigation in international waterway and airspace. China routinely objects to any action by the US Military in the region. The other parties the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei claim all or part of the sea, through which approximately $5 trillion in goods are shipped every year. (With inputs from agencies)

South China Sea: US official holds ‘constructive’ talks with Beijing’s top borders official

A Chinese fighter pilot nearly crashed into an American B-52 bomber over the South China Sea during a nighttime intercept, said the United States officials, in a statement on Thursday (Oct 26). They also criticised what they described as an “unsafe and unprofessional” move raising concerns that the pilot was unaware of how close he came to “causing a collision.”

The incident comes amid top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi’s visit to Washington who arrived on Thursday and said that the US and China need to have “in-depth” and “comprehensive” dialogue in order to reduce misunderstandings and stabilise ties.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

According to the officials of the US Indo-Pacific Command, on Tuesday (Oct 24), a Chinese fighter jet J-11 pilot executed what they described as an “unsafe intercept” while the US Air Force B-52 aircraft was “conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace.”

The Chinese pilot “flew in an unsafe and unprofessional manner, demonstrated poor airmanship by closing with uncontrolled excessive speed, flying below, in front of, and within 10 feet of the B-52, putting both aircraft in danger of collision,” said the US officials&nbsp;in a statement.&nbsp;

It added, “We are concerned this pilot was unaware of how close he came to causing a collision.”&nbsp;

Content warning: Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video. 
&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USINDOPACOM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USINDOPACOM</a> Statement on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PRC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PRC</a> Unprofessional Intercept: "A People’s Republic of China J-11 pilot executed an unsafe intercept of a U.S. Air Force B-52 aircraft which was lawfully conducting routine operations over the South China Sea..." 
 
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According to the US officials, the intercept by the Chinese pilot was conducted at night with “limited visibility, in a manner contrary to international air safety rules and norms.”&nbsp;

<h2>Rise in tensions over South China Sea</h2>

The incident comes amid a rise in tension between China and the US over the East and South China Sea.&nbsp;

According to the top Pentagon official in charge of the security of the region, Washington has witnessed a rise in instances of “coercive and risky” behaviour from Chinese pilots against US aircraft in the last two years than an entire decade before that.

“Since the fall of 2021, we have seen more than 180 such incidents,” said Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, Ely Ratner, earlier this month. “It’s a centralized and concerted campaign to perform these risky behaviours in order to coerce a change in lawful US operational activity,” he added.&nbsp;

Last week, the Pentagon released videos and descriptions of over a dozen recent instances of what it called “coercive and risky operational behaviour” by China’s People’s Liberation Army against US aircraft.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A Chinese fighter pilot nearly crashed into an American B-52 bomber over the South China Sea during a nighttime intercept, said the United States officials, in a statement on Thursday (Oct 26).

A Chinese fighter pilot nearly crashed into an American B-52 bomber over the South China Sea during a nighttime intercept, said the United States officials, in a statement on Thursday (Oct 26). They also criticised what they described as an “unsafe and unprofessional” move raising concerns that the pilot was unaware of how close he came to “causing a collision.” The incident comes amid top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi’s visit to Washington who arrived on Thursday and said that the US and China need to have “in-depth” and “comprehensive” dialogue in order to reduce misunderstandings and stabilise ties. What happened? According to the officials of the US Indo-Pacific Command, on Tuesday (Oct 24), a Chinese fighter jet J-11 pilot executed what they described as an “unsafe intercept” while the US Air Force B-52 aircraft was “conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace.” The Chinese pilot “flew in an unsafe and unprofessional manner, demonstrated poor airmanship by closing with uncontrolled excessive speed, flying below, in front of, and within 10 feet of the B-52, putting both aircraft in danger of collision,” said the US officials in a statement. It added, “We are concerned this pilot was unaware of how close he came to causing a collision.” Content warning: Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video. #USINDOPACOM Statement on #PRC Unprofessional Intercept: "A People’s Republic of China J-11 pilot executed an unsafe intercept of a U.S. Air Force B-52 aircraft which was lawfully conducting routine operations over the South China Sea..." Read more⬇️https://t.co/UnCmnneAr7 pic.twitter.com/6k79Koah3V — U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) October 26, 2023 × According to the US officials, the intercept by the Chinese pilot was conducted at night with “limited visibility, in a manner contrary to international air safety rules and norms.” Rise in tensions over South China Sea The incident comes amid a rise in tension between China and the US over the East and South China Sea. According to the top Pentagon official in charge of the security of the region, Washington has witnessed a rise in instances of “coercive and risky” behaviour from Chinese pilots against US aircraft in the last two years than an entire decade before that. “Since the fall of 2021, we have seen more than 180 such incidents,” said Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, Ely Ratner, earlier this month. “It’s a centralized and concerted campaign to perform these risky behaviours in order to coerce a change in lawful US operational activity,” he added. Last week, the Pentagon released videos and descriptions of over a dozen recent instances of what it called “coercive and risky operational behaviour” by China’s People’s Liberation Army against US aircraft. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Chinese fighter jet ‘nearly collides’ with American B-52 bomber over South China Sea, says US

Scientists have found an ancient tectonic plate in Southeast Asia that had disappeared at least 20 million years ago.

Called the Pontus plate, the fragments of the crust were discovered in the South China Sea near Borneo island.

According to experts, this tectonic plate was once about 15 million square miles in size, approximately one-quarter of the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;

It is estimated that the Pontus plate formed part of the world’s crust before the break up of the supercontinent Pangaea but it got subducted beneath the earth over the last millions of years. Scientists believe this gravitational force came from a neighbouring plate.

It has been christened "Pontus plate" because it was submerged under an ocean known as the Pontus Ocean at the time of its existence.

<h2>Surprising discovery&nbsp;</h2>

"It's surprising to find remnants of a plate that we just didn't know about at all,"&nbsp;Suzanna van de Lagemaat, a doctoral candidate at Utrecht University in the Netherlands who identified the plate, told Live Science on October 11.

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Press release!<a href="https://twitter.com/Suzannavdl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Suzannavdl</a>'s PhD research yielded a nice surprise: the reconstruction of the Pontus Plate that we predicted 11 years ago based on tomography. And now it rolled out of her reconstruction 🤠.<a href="https://t.co/rNUOM8oazK">https://t.co/rNUOM8oazK</a><a href="https://twitter.com/UUGeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UUGeo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/UUEarthSciences?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UUEarthSciences</a> <a href="https://t.co/3hXVeSx334">pic.twitter.com/3hXVeSx334</a>
— Douwe van Hinsbergen (@vanHinsbergen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vanHinsbergen/status/1711278537699676541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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She came across the ancient plate crust while studying the rock formations in northern Borneo.

&nbsp;“We thought we were dealing with relicts of a lost plate that we already knew about,” Van de Lagemaat said.

&nbsp;“But our magnetic lab research on those rocks indicated that our finds were originally from much farther north, and had to be remnants of a different, previously unknown plate,” she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-old-is-the-moon-study-finds-its-40-million-years-older-than-believed-650419">How old is the Moon? Study finds it's 40 million years older than believed</a>

The team had predicted the existence of the Pontus about a decade ago. Their prediction came true after they discovered fragments of old tectonic plates deep in the Earth’s mantle earlier this month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-to-take-amusement-park-approach-to-bring-mars-samples-back-to-earth-650367">NASA to take 'amusement park' approach to bring Mars samples back to Earth</a>

<h2>Extends till New Zealand&nbsp;</h2>

They reconstructed the lost plates by combining field research with extensive investigations of Japan, Borneo, the Philippines, New Guinea, and New Zealand Mountain belts.

According to the scientists, these areas were the “most complicated plate tectonic region.”

Apart from this, the scientists also found the remnants of the Pontus plate in Palawan, an island in the Western Philippines, and the South China Sea.&nbsp;

The research also indicates that a single coherent plate tectonic system extends from southern Japan to New Zealand. Scientists believe this system may have existed for at least 150 million years.

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Scientists have found an ancient tectonic plate in Southeast Asia that had disappeared at least 20 million years ago. Called the Pontus plate, the fragments of the crust were discovered in the South China Sea near Borneo island.

Scientists have found an ancient tectonic plate in Southeast Asia that had disappeared at least 20 million years ago. Called the Pontus plate, the fragments of the crust were discovered in the South China Sea near Borneo island. According to experts, this tectonic plate was once about 15 million square miles in size, approximately one-quarter of the Pacific Ocean. It is estimated that the Pontus plate formed part of the world’s crust before the break up of the supercontinent Pangaea but it got subducted beneath the earth over the last millions of years. Scientists believe this gravitational force came from a neighbouring plate. It has been christened "Pontus plate" because it was submerged under an ocean known as the Pontus Ocean at the time of its existence. Surprising discovery "It's surprising to find remnants of a plate that we just didn't know about at all," Suzanna van de Lagemaat, a doctoral candidate at Utrecht University in the Netherlands who identified the plate, told Live Science on October 11. Press release!@Suzannavdl's PhD research yielded a nice surprise: the reconstruction of the Pontus Plate that we predicted 11 years ago based on tomography. And now it rolled out of her reconstruction 🤠.https://t.co/rNUOM8oazK@UUGeo @UUEarthSciences pic.twitter.com/3hXVeSx334 — Douwe van Hinsbergen (@vanHinsbergen) October 9, 2023 × She came across the ancient plate crust while studying the rock formations in northern Borneo. “We thought we were dealing with relicts of a lost plate that we already knew about,” Van de Lagemaat said. “But our magnetic lab research on those rocks indicated that our finds were originally from much farther north, and had to be remnants of a different, previously unknown plate,” she added. Also read | How old is the Moon? Study finds it's 40 million years older than believed The team had predicted the existence of the Pontus about a decade ago. Their prediction came true after they discovered fragments of old tectonic plates deep in the Earth’s mantle earlier this month. Also read | NASA to take 'amusement park' approach to bring Mars samples back to Earth Extends till New Zealand They reconstructed the lost plates by combining field research with extensive investigations of Japan, Borneo, the Philippines, New Guinea, and New Zealand Mountain belts. According to the scientists, these areas were the “most complicated plate tectonic region.” Apart from this, the scientists also found the remnants of the Pontus plate in Palawan, an island in the Western Philippines, and the South China Sea. The research also indicates that a single coherent plate tectonic system extends from southern Japan to New Zealand. Scientists believe this system may have existed for at least 150 million years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Scientists discover ancient tectonic plate that disappeared 20 million years ago

China has released videos said to be taken on Sunday (Oct 22) which show its vessel blocking a Philippine boat which was supplying forces in disputed waters of the South China Sea.&nbsp;

The Philippines foreign ministry official said that Manila summoned Beijing's ambassador on Monday over two collisions.&nbsp;

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Teresita Daza told reporters, "We're making full use of diplomatic processes... available to us. That includes summoning the Chinese ambassador (Huang Xilian), which we did this morning."&nbsp;

Daza also said that the ambassador was unavailable and was represented by his deputy chief of mission during the meeting at the foreign ministry. &nbsp;

"Ayungin Shoal is part of our exclusive economic zone and continental shelf and we have sovereign rights and jurisdiction over it," Daza said, using the Philippine name for the shoal.&nbsp;

"China, as a major power, bears a heavier responsibility of contributing to peace and stability in the region," she said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-holds-air-drill-with-japan-and-us-first-such-collaboration-649963">South Korea holds air drills with Japan and US in first such collaboration</a>

<h2>What exactly happened?&nbsp;</h2>

In a statement, China's coast guard said that the Philippine vessel had ignored repeated warnings, crossed the bow of the Chinese ship and "deliberately provoked trouble", which led to the collision.&nbsp;

In another incident, a Philippine coastguard vessel was "bumped" by what the Philippine task force described as a "Chinese Maritime Militia vessel".&nbsp;

Both collisions happened during a routine Philippine resupply mission to Filipino troops stationed on a navy vessel grounded on the shoal to assert Manila's territorial claims.&nbsp;

The Philippines has also released videos to support its accusations as both nations blamed each other for Sunday's incidents near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-property-market-continues-to-struggle-despite-government-stimulus-650122">China's property market continues to struggle despite government stimulus</a>

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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<h2>Recent escalation&nbsp;</h2>

China has repeatedly warned the Philippines over its mission of supplying troops stationed in disputed waters in the South China Sea. But Manila says it's within its rights.&nbsp;

Recently, tensions escalated after the Philippine Coast Guard said it removed a floating barrier at a disputed reef and alleged that China deployed the reef to block Filipinos from the traditional fishing ground.&nbsp;

In August, the Philippines accused Chinese Coast Guard ships of firing water cannons and making dangerous manoeuvres at its ships in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

Xilian was last summoned to the foreign ministry in August after the China Coast Guard used a water cannon on Philippine vessels near Second Thomas Shoal.&nbsp;

China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, pointing to a line on its maps that cuts into the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said that the line on China's maps had no legal basis.

(With inputs from agencies)

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China has released videos said to be taken on Sunday (Oct 22) which show its vessel blocking a Philippine boat which was supplying forces in disputed waters of the South China Sea.

China has released videos said to be taken on Sunday (Oct 22) which show its vessel blocking a Philippine boat which was supplying forces in disputed waters of the South China Sea. The Philippines foreign ministry official said that Manila summoned Beijing's ambassador on Monday over two collisions. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Teresita Daza told reporters, "We're making full use of diplomatic processes... available to us. That includes summoning the Chinese ambassador (Huang Xilian), which we did this morning." Daza also said that the ambassador was unavailable and was represented by his deputy chief of mission during the meeting at the foreign ministry. "Ayungin Shoal is part of our exclusive economic zone and continental shelf and we have sovereign rights and jurisdiction over it," Daza said, using the Philippine name for the shoal. "China, as a major power, bears a heavier responsibility of contributing to peace and stability in the region," she said. Also read: South Korea holds air drills with Japan and US in first such collaboration What exactly happened? In a statement, China's coast guard said that the Philippine vessel had ignored repeated warnings, crossed the bow of the Chinese ship and "deliberately provoked trouble", which led to the collision. In another incident, a Philippine coastguard vessel was "bumped" by what the Philippine task force described as a "Chinese Maritime Militia vessel". Both collisions happened during a routine Philippine resupply mission to Filipino troops stationed on a navy vessel grounded on the shoal to assert Manila's territorial claims. The Philippines has also released videos to support its accusations as both nations blamed each other for Sunday's incidents near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. Also read: China's property market continues to struggle despite government stimulus Watch the video here: × Recent escalation China has repeatedly warned the Philippines over its mission of supplying troops stationed in disputed waters in the South China Sea. But Manila says it's within its rights. Recently, tensions escalated after the Philippine Coast Guard said it removed a floating barrier at a disputed reef and alleged that China deployed the reef to block Filipinos from the traditional fishing ground. In August, the Philippines accused Chinese Coast Guard ships of firing water cannons and making dangerous manoeuvres at its ships in the South China Sea. Xilian was last summoned to the foreign ministry in August after the China Coast Guard used a water cannon on Philippine vessels near Second Thomas Shoal. China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, pointing to a line on its maps that cuts into the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said that the line on China's maps had no legal basis. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

South China Sea: Philippines summons Chinese envoy over two collisions

China Blocks Philippines Coast Guard Ship Again In South China Sea. Two Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels Were Moving Along Both Sides Of Philippines Coast Guard Vessel

China, Philippines vessels collide, US: China violated international law

China and the Philippines had a recent faceoff in the South China Sea. The incident involved boat collisions and blockades. The disagreement focused on the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands.

Tensions rise after latest South China Sea clash between China & Philippines

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