Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated following a series of confrontations between China and the Philippines. A senior Chinese diplomat warned that China-Philippines relations are "at a crossroads," urging Manila to avoid actions that could worsen the situation. On March 23rd, a Philippine vessel, Unaizah May 4, was hit 8 times by China Coast Guard's water cannons near Ayungin Shoal in an attempt to block a resupply mission, described as an "armed attack." Additionally, Filipino researchers were harassed by a Chinese Navy helicopter near Pag-asa Island. The incidents have drawn international attention, with the U.S. expressing its commitment to the US-Philippines Defence Treaty, which covers the South China Sea, and highlighting the importance of following international law and practicing maximum tolerance. The confrontations have raised concerns about a potential U.S.-China clash in the region.
Inside the Ring | Water cannon attack on Philippines navy boat raises odds of U.S.-China clash https://t.co/u8Km9S6FHC https://t.co/x8efk31gei
South China Sea standoff between Chinese coast guard ships and Filipino supply ships as viewed aboard a Filipino vessel at Second Thomas Shoal Blinken claims US "iron-clad" commitment to US-Philippines Defence Treaty covers SCS. US has 3 options: 1)send in US coastguard and… https://t.co/kzcHRBu3lX
The U.S. faces a delicate balancing act in countering China's aggression in the South China Sea https://t.co/ycWgzB5qov
WATCH: AFP chief Romeo Brawner Jr. says the Philippines will follow international law and practice maximum tolerance, even as the China Coast Guard uses water cannons and dangerous maneuvers during Philippine missions to Ayungin Shoal. Related: https://t.co/pbIQVkhW0b https://t.co/GTSFl7TWWd
WATCH: Speaking to media in Palawan on March 23, AFP chief Romeo Brawner Jr. notes the pressure from the water cannon of the China Coast Guard was enough to throw a grown man against the supply ship's wall. Related: https://t.co/pbIQVkitPJ https://t.co/2SU1OuSuqA
WATCH: 'Hindi talaga biro,' says survivors of China's water cannons in West Philippine Sea While describing it as among the most difficult experience they've gone through as soldiers, Navy personnel who sustained injuries when the China Coast Guard fired its water cannons say… https://t.co/J0nhr5z0GX
WATCH: A closer look at the severe damage sustained by #Philippine resupply boat Unaizah May 4. It was hit 8 times by #China Coast Guard’s water cannon in an attempt to block a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal on March 23rd. Via @_GioRobles @News5PH https://t.co/qilTCu0fxh
#Chinese Navy helicopter harassing #Filipino researchers conducting a survey at sandbars off #Philippines occupied Pag-asa Island on Saturday. This on same day that China CG ships assaulted a PH supply boat with water cannons near Ayungin Shoal. Via @_GioRobles @News5PH https://t.co/W1oDcOrM2o
Exclusive GMA Integrated News clip from the #Philippines vessel harassed by #China last Saturday in the #SouthChinaSea Can see the effect of water cannons on the ship & crew. This is an armed attack, those water cannons can kill. Via @Joseph_Morong https://t.co/56ZiGs9W7O
A Chinese senior diplomat on Monday said the current China-Philippines relations are "at a crossroads" and urged Manila to act with caution and stop any unilateral actions that may complicate the situation. #SouthChinaSea https://t.co/V1GS32eA3h