Chinese Coast Guard Clashes with Philippine Vessels in South China Sea, Regional Tensions Escalate

March 2024 witnessed confrontations between Chinese Coast Guard vessels and Philippine supply boats in the vicinity of the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands.

In the waters near the Second Thomas Shoal, Chinese Coast Guard vessels engaged in multiple close-range standoffs and collisions with Philippine vessels attempting to resupply their stationed troops. The Chinese Coast Guard utilized high-pressure water cannons against the Philippine boats, causing damage and injuries to the Philippine crew. China maintained its actions were necessary to defend sovereignty and maritime rights, while the Philippines accused China of dangerous and illegal "grey zone" tactics. The United States, as an ally of the Philippines, reiterated its commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines.

This incident marked the latest escalation in China's strategy of applying military and paramilitary pressure in the South China Sea. From a conservative perspective, China's attempt to alter the status quo through "salami-slicing" paramilitary actions, challenging international maritime law, was viewed as a blatant disregard for regional freedom of navigation and the international order. The U.S. and its allies were compelled to further enhance their military presence and joint patrols in the South China Sea, accelerating the militarization trend in the region and escalating the security competition between the U.S. and China in the Western Pacific.