The South China Sea Crisis is Fast Approaching a Dangerous Tipping Point

Chinese coast guard ship blocking a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources' ship while its personnel aboard a rigid hull inflatable boat sailing past the Philippine ship as it neared the Chinese-controlled Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea. Ted ALJIBE / AFP

The reactions to Sunday’s at-sea collisions between Chinese and Philippines maritime forces reveal a very worrisome trend in what’s fast becoming one of the world’s most dangerous flashpoints.

While the incidents were both minor, more like gentle bumps than violent collisions, the responses, though, from Manila, Beijing, and Washington were nonetheless unequivocal — no one is going to concede anything.

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

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

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

OR

Already a subscriber? Log in Click Here to Learn More
by Eric Olander

Most Read

1
Developing Countries’ Debt Servicing Costs to China Are Significant, but Nowhere Near as Much as Other Creditors
2 Chinese Military Fans Discuss Why Indonesia Bought Rafale Instead of J-10C
3 From J-10C to Kaan? Indonesia’s Fighter Jet Deal With Turkey Shocks Chinese Military Fans
4
Indonesia Goes Nuclear, Taps China and Russia for Modular Reactors
5
Chinese Cargo Planes Secretly Ferrying Supplies to Iran, Claim Online Sleuths
6
Thailand in Last-Minute U.S. Talks as 36% Tariff Looms

You Might Like

U.S. Reaffirms Defense of Philippines in Event of ‘Armed Attack’ by Beijing in Ever-Escalating South China Sea Confrontations

The U.S. reiterated a warning Monday that it would defend the Philippines in the event of an armed attack after Chinese ships collided with two Filipino vessels off a contested area of the South ...

Resupply Mission, Boat Accident Notch Up Tensions in South China Sea

The Philippines successfully carried out a resupply mission to a military outpost in the South China Sea despite Chinese efforts. A statement by the Philippine National Security Council accused Chinese boats of trying to “block, ...

China, U.S. Compete in Military Cooperation With South China Sea Countries As Tension Simmers

This week it was confirmed that the U.S. and Japan will conduct joint exercises in the South China Sea with the Philippines. This comes as duels between Chinese vessels and counterparts from around the ...

South China Sea Ruling Anniversary Adds Pressure to ASEAN Gatherings

Protests in Manila this week marked the seventh anniversary of a Permanent Court of Arbitration tribunal’s finding in favor of a Philippine claim over a stretch of the South China Sea also claimed ...

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.

More about CGSP