China Blocks Philippine Survey in Spratly Islands

Tensions have escalated in the South China Sea as Chinese coast guard ships and a navy helicopter forced Philippine fisheries vessels to cancel a scientific survey near Sand Cay in the Spratly Islands, claiming unauthorized entry. The Chinese coast guard continues to enforce its territorial claims, despite counteractions by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which has been actively patrolling the Zambales coast and challenging Chinese vessels. The PCG replaced ships to maintain their presence and radio-challenged Chinese vessels to assert violations of international law, referencing the 2016 Arbitral Award dismissing China's expansive claims. The incidents highlight ongoing conflicts in the region and the Philippines' efforts to safeguard its maritime rights amid China's aggressive territorial assertions.