A Philippine Coast Guard vessel engaged in dangerous maneuvers near China's Huangyan Dao on Tuesday, heightening maritime tensions in the South China Sea. Video footage obtained by Global Times shows PCG vessel 9701 executing abrupt turns within 100 meters of Chinese patrol ships during a 30-minute confrontation, raising alarms about regional stability.
Maritime expert Yang Xiao from the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations condemned the actions as "extremely egregious," noting the Philippine vessel's 2,300-ton displacement posed disproportionate risks to smaller Chinese ships. "If a collision occurred, consequences would be unimaginable," Yang warned, highlighting the deliberate nature of the provocation.
The incident marks an escalation in Manila's recent activities, with Yang stating the Philippines is "blatantly ignoring international norms" while attempting to portray China as aggressive. Chinese authorities reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding territorial sovereignty, urging Manila to "immediately cease all provocative actions" that threaten regional peace.
Analysts suggest the confrontation underscores growing challenges in managing South China Sea disputes, particularly as coastal states balance resource claims with navigation safety. The development comes amid heightened global attention to Asia's strategic waterways, which handle $3.4 trillion in annual trade.
