What caused the latest clash between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea?

A fresh diplomatic storm is brewing in the South China Sea after Manila and Beijing traded accusations on Sunday over a new maritime confrontation near one of the region’s most hotly contested islands. Both nations have issued conflicting accounts of what transpired, each blaming the other for a collision that once again underscores the volatility of the decades-long territorial dispute.

According to the Philippine Maritime Council, Chinese coast guard vessels unleashed high-pressure water cannons and rammed a Filipino ship near Pag-asa Island — known internationally as Thitu Island — a Philippine-occupied area within the Spratly Islands. The council denounced the incident as an “unprovoked act of aggression” and announced plans to file a diplomatic protest against China’s “dangerous maneuvers.”

The Philippine Coast Guard said the targeted vessel, BRP Datu Pagbuaya, belonged to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and was anchored near the island as part of a government initiative to safeguard local fishermen. Coast guard officials reported that three Filipino vessels were conducting routine patrols early Sunday when several Chinese ships approached and fired water cannons in an apparent attempt to drive them off. Moments later, one of the Chinese coast guard vessels allegedly rammed the stern of the Datu Pagbuaya, leaving visible damage but no casualties.

Beijing, however, presented an entirely different version of events. A spokesperson for China’s coast guard claimed that two Philippine government vessels “illegally entered” Chinese waters near Sandy Cay — part of the Thitu Reefs — and “ignored repeated warnings” to leave the area. China asserted that the Philippine vessels engaged in “dangerous maneuvers,” resulting in an unintended collision.

Images released by the Philippine Coast Guard show water cannons striking the Filipino vessel, intensifying outrage across Manila. The government has vowed to continue its maritime operations, stressing that it will “not be bullied into silence” and will remain committed to defending the livelihood of its fishermen who rely on the surrounding waters for survival.

The confrontation quickly drew international attention. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson condemned the incident, describing China’s actions as “reckless and provocative.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Carlson said Washington stands with Manila against what she termed “aggressive interference in the Philippines’ sovereign rights.”

This latest clash marks another tense chapter in the long-running struggle over the South China Sea, one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors. Despite a 2016 ruling by an international tribunal in The Hague rejecting China’s sweeping claims over nearly the entire waterway, Beijing has continued to assert dominance through militarized outposts and frequent patrols.

The Spratly Islands, where Sunday’s incident occurred, are among the most contested territories in the region. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia all have overlapping claims, but China’s extensive “nine-dash line” encompasses almost all of the sea, giving rise to persistent disputes. The area is not only rich in fishery resources but also believed to contain vast deposits of oil and natural gas — making it both an economic and geopolitical flashpoint.

Philippine officials have repeatedly accused Beijing of using “gray zone tactics” — aggressive actions that stop short of open warfare — to assert control. Meanwhile, China insists that it is merely enforcing its maritime sovereignty and blames Manila for “provocative intrusions.”

The collision near Thitu Island adds to a string of confrontations in recent years that have strained relations between the two neighbors. Observers warn that without effective diplomatic engagement, these incidents could spiral into a broader regional crisis, especially given the involvement of the United States and other allies who have pledged support for Manila’s maritime rights.

As the waves of tension continue to ripple across the South China Sea, the world watches closely. Each new flashpoint, like Sunday’s collision, not only deepens the rift between the Philippines and China but also tests the fragile balance of power in one of the most contested waters on Earth.

FAQ: Philippines–China Maritime Confrontation in the South China Sea

1. What exactly happened between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea?
On Sunday, October 12, 2025, a confrontation occurred near Thitu Island (locally known as Pag-asa), one of the Philippine-occupied territories in the Spratly Islands. According to Manila, Chinese coast guard vessels used high-pressure water cannons and deliberately rammed a Filipino government ship, the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, which belongs to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. China, however, accused the Philippines of illegally entering its waters near Sandy Cay and claimed that the collision was caused by the Philippine ship’s “dangerous maneuvers.”

2. Where did the incident take place?
The confrontation occurred near Thitu Island, located within the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. Thitu Island is the largest Philippine-controlled island in the disputed archipelago and lies approximately 480 kilometers west of Palawan. Beijing refers to the area as part of the Thitu Reefs, while Manila considers it part of its sovereign territory within the country’s 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

3. Were there any injuries or casualties reported?
No injuries or fatalities were reported. The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed that although the Datu Pagbuaya sustained minor structural damage after being rammed by a Chinese vessel, all crew members were safe and accounted for.

4. How did the Philippines respond to the incident?
The Philippine government, through its Maritime Council, condemned the act as “unprovoked aggression” and vowed to take appropriate diplomatic action against China. The Department of Foreign Affairs is expected to file a formal diplomatic protest, while the Philippine Coast Guard has reaffirmed its commitment to continue patrols and safeguard the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen in the region.

5. What was China’s reaction?
Beijing denied Manila’s claims and blamed the Philippines for the collision. A spokesperson for the China Coast Guard stated that the Philippine vessels “illegally entered” Chinese waters near Sandy Cay despite “repeated stern warnings.” China maintains that the Philippine ship “dangerously approached” its vessel, leading to the collision, and emphasized that it was acting within its sovereign rights.

6. Why is Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island) so significant?
Thitu Island is of strategic importance due to its location within the Spratly Islands — a resource-rich area believed to hold significant oil, gas, and fisheries reserves. It also has military and geopolitical value as it hosts a small Filipino civilian community and a military outpost. The island is seen as a symbol of Manila’s sovereignty in the region, making any confrontation there especially sensitive.

7. What role did the United States play in this situation?
The U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, condemned the incident on social media, describing China’s actions as “reckless and aggressive.” The U.S. reaffirmed its support for the Philippines under their 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which obligates Washington to assist if Philippine forces are attacked in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea.

8. Has this type of incident happened before?
Yes. The South China Sea has seen numerous confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels over the years, including similar water cannon attacks and dangerous close encounters. These incidents are part of a broader pattern of escalating tension as both countries assert their claims over the disputed maritime zones.

9. What does international law say about this dispute?
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China’s sweeping “nine-dash line” claim, which covers nearly the entire South China Sea, has no legal basis under international law. The tribunal also recognized parts of the sea within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. However, China has rejected the ruling and continues to assert control over most of the region through coast guard patrols and artificial island militarization.

10. How does this affect Filipino fishermen?
The incident underscores the growing risks faced by Filipino fishermen who rely on the South China Sea for their livelihoods. Many have reported harassment by Chinese vessels, limiting their access to traditional fishing grounds. The Philippine government’s patrol missions, such as the one involving the Datu Pagbuaya, aim to protect these communities and assert their fishing rights under international law.

11. Why is the South China Sea so important globally?
The South China Sea is one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, with an estimated $3 trillion worth of goods passing through annually. It is rich in marine biodiversity, natural resources, and potential energy deposits. Beyond economic importance, the area serves as a strategic military zone that affects the security balance of the entire Indo-Pacific region.

12. What could happen next?
Tensions are expected to rise further unless diplomatic dialogue is restored. Analysts predict that Manila may bring the issue to international forums, while Beijing is likely to maintain its assertive stance. The United States and allied nations could increase freedom-of-navigation operations in the area, further intensifying regional dynamics.

13. How are other Southeast Asian nations reacting?
Countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia — which also have overlapping claims — are monitoring the situation closely. While they have called for restraint and adherence to international law, they share similar concerns about China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

14. What are the broader implications for regional security?
This confrontation highlights the fragile balance of power in the Asia-Pacific. Continued escalation could draw in global powers and increase the risk of military miscalculation. The situation also tests ASEAN’s ability to present a unified front and pursue peaceful dispute resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

15. What steps can be taken to prevent future clashes?
Experts suggest that establishing clear communication channels, enhancing regional maritime cooperation, and adhering to the 2016 arbitral ruling are essential steps. Confidence-building measures and the long-awaited Code of Conduct between China and ASEAN nations could also help reduce misunderstandings and prevent further incidents at sea.