China and the Philippines Warn Each Other Not to Push South China Sea Confrontation Too Far… Or Else

A man points a water hose at a photo of Chinese President Xi Jinping as he joins a protest outside the Chinese embassy in Manila on August 11, 2023, to condemn the water canon incident between China and Philippines Coast Guards in the South China/West Philippine Sea. JAM STA ROSA / AFP

Tensions between China and the Philippines steadily worsened over the weekend as both sides attacked the other for instigating the latest confrontation in their disputed waters in the South China Sea.

In Manila, Armed Forces chief General Romeo Brawner said the China Coast Guard’s use of water cannons against an unarmed Philippines Navy vessel on August 5 was tantamount to an “act of war” — which is especially provocative language in the context of the Philippines given the country’s military alliance with the United States.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest China-Africa news and analysis.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China-Africa relations.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in Africa and throughout the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.