Refer Report

The Philippines and China continue to clash, despite an agreement to ease tensions in the South China Sea (known as the West Philippine Sea in the Philippines). The two countries have clashed five times in the past month, exposing their conflict.

According to Reuters on the 31st of last month (local time), the Philippines and China each claimed that their ships were attacked by the other country’s ships at Sabina Reef (Chinese name: Xianbinjiao) near the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. The Philippines released a video of the collision and stated, “Chinese ship No. 5205 directly and intentionally rammed the Philippine ship.” They also stated, “China’s level of harassment is increasing, but we will not withdraw.”

On the other hand, China countered that the Philippine vessel “illegally anchored on the reef and intentionally damaged the Chinese vessel,” and that “it is entirely the Philippines’ responsibility.” China warned that it must immediately withdraw from the Philippines or face the consequences.

Including this day, the two countries clashed five times in August. In particular, the conflict has become more frequent recently, with four exchanges of attacks over the past two weeks since the 19th of last month. There was also friction at Sabina Reef on the 26th of last month. At the time, the Philippines said it was trying to supply supplies to its ships anchored at Sabina Reef, but the Chinese ships interfered by shooting water cannons.

The interim agreement between China and the Philippines to reduce conflict in the South China Sea also appears to be fading. The two countries began negotiations in June over Second Thomas Reef (Chinese name: Renai, Philippine name: Ayungin), which is 60-70km away from Sabina Reef. The intention was to prevent frequent physical clashes between the two sides near the reef. Then, on July 21, the two countries reached a provisional agreement on a plan to supply supplies to the Philippine military personnel who ran aground on Second Thomas Reef. Although this agreement was limited to Second Thomas Reef, there were expectations that the two countries would be able to lower the level of conflict in the South China Sea.

The Philippines and China are still fiercely competing for their territorial claims in the South China Sea. Recently, following Sabina Reef, Thitu Island in the Spratly Islands has emerged as a new point of conflict. Thitu Island is located 285 nautical miles (528 km) from Palawan Island in the Philippines, and is claimed by not only the Philippines but also China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. About 400 residents, mostly fishermen, live there.

The Philippines established a coast guard base here in December last year, equipped with radar, ship tracking, and other monitoring equipment. In July, President Ferdinand Marcos announced plans to build an airport and runway on Thitu Island. China objected, saying the Philippines “could invite warships and fighter jets from outside countries, such as the United States and Japan.”

Source: Korean