Tensions rise in Philippines-China dispute

Philippines coast guard
China coast guard

Mar 5, 2024: Philippines coast guard video appears to show collision between its ship and Chinese vessel


1 Feb 13-14, 2023: Philippines accuses China’s coast guard of flashing military-grade laser at troops aboard warship deliberately grounded by Manila on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999

2 Mar 4: Flotilla of more than 40 Chinese vessels swarms Thitu island, Manila’s biggest outpost in South China Sea

“Swarming” – deployment of coast guard, navy and militia vessels to intimidate target – becomes signature move to assert China’s presence

3 Aug 5: China’s coast guard fires water cannon at ship resupplying outpost on Second Thomas Shoal

4 Sep 24-25: Philippines accuses China of installing “floating barrier" near Scarborough Shoal and cuts through object

5 Dec 3: Philippines releases video of 135 Chinese vessels swarming Whitsun Reef

6 Dec 9-10: Philippines accuses China of firing water cannons at its boats in Scarborough Shoal, and ramming others, causing serious engine damage

7 Mar 5, 2024: Philippines says Chinese boats cause two collisions near Second Thomas Shoal, damaging vessels and injuring four people


CHINA
Philippines clam
VIETNAM
SOUTH CHINA SEA
Spratly Isl.
BRUNEI 
MALAYSIA
TAIWAN
China’s nine-dash line maritime claim
Manila 
PHILIPPINES
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

300km 185 miles


Source: Reuters 
Picture: Philippines Coast Guard 
© GRAPHIC NEWS