In a recent press briefing, a Philippine security official voiced concerns about escalating Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, stating that China is “pushing us to the wall.” The official emphasized that all responses are being considered, including potential new international lawsuits. The remarks come after a large Chinese coast guard vessel was reported near Scarborough Shoal and sailing dangerously close to the Philippines’ northwestern coast, approximately 77 nautical miles from the shoreline.
Assistant Director-General of the National Security Council, Jonathan Malaya, described the Chinese ship’s presence as unacceptable and called for its immediate withdrawal. He reiterated the country’s determination not to be intimidated, stating that intimidation does not deter them but rather fortifies their resolve as they stand by their rights in the disputed waters. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from China’s Foreign Ministry countered by asserting that China’s sovereignty in the South China Sea is well established and that its coast guard operations are justified. They urged the Philippines to cease all activities deemed provocative.
The Chinese government has consistently accused the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia of infringing upon what it claims are unchallenged Chinese territorial waters. Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela responded to the situation by revealing that two Philippine coast guard ships, supported by a surveillance aircraft, were actively requesting the Chinese vessel to leave the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, which extends 200 nautical miles from its shores. He highlighted their ongoing efforts to contest the presence of the Chinese coast guard to assert their territorial claims.
Under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who assumed office mid-2022, the Philippines has taken a more assertive stance in defending its territorial rights in the South China Sea. This escalation has resulted in frequent confrontations between Philippine forces and Chinese coast guard units along with suspected militia boats, raising alarms about possible larger conflicts involving the United States, a traditional ally of the Philippines and a regional competitor to China.
Faced with this ongoing conflict, the Philippines has been pursuing strategic alliances with other nations, notably Japan. Last July, both nations inked a significant agreement facilitating joint military exercises, though it still requires ratification by their respective legislative bodies. This accord marks a significant development as it is Japan’s first military agreement of this nature in Asia.
The tensions in the area can be traced back to a standoff over Scarborough Shoal in 2012, which prompted the Philippines to take its disputes to international arbitration in 2013. This resulted in a decisive victory for the Philippines in 2016 when an arbitration panel ruled in The Hague that invalidated China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea as per the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. However, China has rejected this ruling and continues to disregard it openly.
In light of renewed tensions, Malaya suggested that the situation could lead to further legal action, asserting that all options are being contemplated. He expressed that increasing proximity of Chinese vessels to Philippine waters is heightening tensions, compelling the Philippine government to reconsider potential actions it had previously set aside. Following the arbitration, China has cautioned against pursuing new legal actions in international venues, favoring bilateral talks to address these issues, which advantage China due to its economic and political influence.
Efforts continue between the two countries to discuss their territorial disputes through a bilateral consultation framework, with the next round of discussions planned to take place in China.
