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Three Chinese coast guard vessels have deployed to a strategic waterway in the South China Sea, separating the Philippines from Taiwan—territory claimed by Beijing. This move adds to rising regional tensions.
Why It Matters:
The Philippines, a U.S. defense treaty ally, and China are locked in a long-standing territorial dispute. Beijing asserts sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, which is vital for an estimated one-third of global seaborne trade, based on historical claims.
What To Know:
On Thursday, three Chinese coast guard cutters—each at least 330 feet in length—”bracketed” the Philippines’ northernmost province of Batanes, according to ship-tracking data shared by maritime analyst Ray Powell. As of Friday morning, two ships were operating east of the island group while the third remained west.
It is rare for Chinese coast guard ships to operate this far north. The Batanes are closer to southern Taiwan than to Manila and lie in the Bashi Channel—a strategic choke point that could play a significant role in a conflict with China.
In April, the U.S. and Philippine militaries held joint drills there using the NMESIS anti-ship missile system, drawing protests from Beijing.
China’s maneuvers came after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during a four-day state visit to New Delhi, vowed not to “cede one square inch” of territory to Beijing. The Philippine coast guard deployed a patrol aircraft to monitor the Chinese vessels due to their “irregular movements.” However, poor weather limited the mission, and the ship ignored radio calls.
Ship movements continued as the leadership of the Philippine coast guard remained resolute, prepared to deploy additional resources if necessary.
What People Are Saying:
Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for China’s Defense Ministry, said during Friday’s news briefing that the Philippines should stop provoking and forming cliques in the South China Sea.
Ray Powell, director of SeaLight, noted this was the first time he had observed such behavior from the China Coast Guard. While more active in the West Philippine Sea, this marked the first time it extended its patrols east of the Philippines.
What Happens Next:
During his interview with Indian media, Marcos said there was “no way” the Philippines could avoid being drawn into a potential war between its U.S. ally and China over Taiwan due to proximity and the presence of more than 160,000 Filipinos working in Taiwan.
China’s Foreign Ministry issued a sharp rebuke, saying it had lodged protests with Manila and emphasized that “geographic location” and the large number of Filipinos should not be used as pretexts to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.
China claims Taiwan as its territory but has never ruled there. It has vowed to unite with the island democracy through force if necessary.
Chinese maritime activities, including oceanographic surveys and coast guard patrols in disputed areas, are likely to remain a point of friction in the South China Sea.
📚 Reading Comprehension Quiz
What strategic waterway in the South China Sea has seen the deployment of three Chinese coast guard vessels, separating the Philippines from Taiwan?
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