Confrontations flare again in South China Sea

Following a brief pause. Beijing has resumed its pressure on Manila over the South China Sea (SCS).

On Tuesday, March 5, a five-strong flotilla of China Coast Guard (CCG) patrol ships intercepted a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) resupply convoy that was on passage to the Philippine Marine Corps contingent on board the old landing ship Sierra Madre. The latter has for many years been grounded as an observation post near the Manila-claimed Second Thomas Shoal.

What followed was the most serious PCG-CCG clash to date. A CCG patrol ship steered very close to the starboard side of  Sindangan, one of the two PCG patrol vessels escorting the pair of supply craft.

Fire monitors sprayed water on to the PCG ship and one of the supply craft suffered damage. Five PCG personnel were injured, including, reputedly, an admiral.

Following the incident, Washington condemned China’s actions, while Beijing protested against what it said was the PCG’s illegal action.

Analysts believe that the recent passing by the Philippines of a Maritime Zones law, which gives legal backing to Manila’s offshore claims, was the catalyst for the latest confrontation.