Recent confrontations between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea have once again highlighted the ongoing territorial disputes over key shoals, with both nations accusing each other of aggressive actions. The latest incidents occurred near Scarborough and Sabina Shoals, areas that have long been points of contention between the two countries.
On December 5, 2024, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that Chinese coast guard and naval vessels targeted Philippine patrol ships with high-pressure water cannons and aggressive manoeuvres at Scarborough Shoal. According to the PCG, Chinese ships sideswiped and rammed several Philippine vessels, including a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship conducting a routine resupply mission. The PCG described these actions as “reckless” and “dangerous,” emphasizing that they were part of China’s ongoing pressure campaign in the disputed waters.
The Chinese government responded by asserting that Philippine vessels had violated Chinese territorial waters, prompting Chinese coast guard forces to “exercise control” over the situation. This escalation follows a pattern of incidents in which China has sought to assert its dominance over regions within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), especially Scarborough Shoal. Despite these aggressive actions, the Philippines has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding its maritime rights and the safety of its fishermen in the area.
In another incident, the Philippine vessels near Sabina Shoal were also harassed by Chinese ships, which allegedly blocked and rammed a BFAR vessel. These confrontations come amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where China claims almost all of the waters, despite competing territorial claims from Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
In response to these clashes, the Philippines has strengthened its military cooperation with allies. On December 6, the Philippines conducted joint maritime drills with the United States and Japan in its EEZ, underscoring the growing international concern over China’s assertive actions in the region.
These latest confrontations at Scarborough and Sabina Shoals indicate that Beijing is unlikely to ease its pressure on the Philippines or other neighbouring countries contesting its expansive claims, further complicating the already tense situation in the South China Sea.
Shobhil Shrivastava is a postgraduate student specializing in Diplomacy, Law, and Business at O.P. Jindal Global University. His academic focus spans International Relations, Geopolitics, Defence, and Security. Views expressed are the author’s own.
Aayush Pal 
Saisha Kamla Dudha