South China Sea: Chinese forces disrupt Philippines survey operations in disputed waters
Philippines Halts South China Sea Survey Amid Tensions with China
The Philippines has stopped a scientific survey in the South China Sea after its fishing boats encountered aggressive actions from the Chinese coast guard and naval forces. The Philippine Coast Guard reported that three Chinese coast guard vessels and four smaller boats performed dangerous maneuvers near two inflatable boats operated by the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries. These boats were on their way to collect sand samples from Sandy Cay, near the Philippine-occupied Thitu Island. Additionally, a Chinese navy helicopter flew at an unsafe altitude over the boats.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea, a crucial region for global trade. China claims almost the entire sea, despite competing claims from the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. In 2016, the Philippines won a ruling from the International Court of Arbitration at The Hague, which invalidated China's territorial claims. However, China has not acknowledged this ruling.
In response to what it described as "dangerous harassment" by Chinese forces, the Philippine Coast Guard suspended the survey. Despite the tense situation, no accidents were reported. China claimed "indisputable sovereignty" over the Spratly Islands, including Sandy Cay, which it calls Tiexian Reef. Beijing stated that it intercepted the Philippine vessels for entering waters near Tiexian Reef without permission and accused them of attempting to illegally land on the reef.
The incident coincided with Philippine forces resupplying and rotating troops stationed on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre vessel at the Second Thomas Shoal, an area claimed by both nations. The Philippines has accused China of using its patrols to intimidate Filipino fishermen.
Doubts Revealed
Philippines
The Philippines is a country in Southeast Asia made up of many islands. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean.
South China Sea
The South China Sea is a large sea in Asia, surrounded by countries like China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and others. It is important for trade and has many natural resources.
Survey
A survey in this context means a scientific study or research. Here, it involves collecting information about the sea, like sand samples, to learn more about the area.
Tensions
Tensions refer to a situation where there is a lot of stress or conflict between countries. In this case, it is between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea.
Chinese coast guard
The Chinese coast guard is a group of people who protect China's waters and help with law enforcement at sea. They are like police but on the water.
Naval forces
Naval forces are the part of a country's military that operates at sea. They use ships and submarines to protect their country's interests in the ocean.
Dangerous maneuvers
Dangerous maneuvers are risky actions taken by vehicles, like ships or helicopters, that could cause accidents or harm.
Low-flying helicopter
A low-flying helicopter is a helicopter that is flying very close to the ground or sea. This can be dangerous because it might hit something or scare people.
2016 ruling
The 2016 ruling refers to a decision made by an international court that said China's claims over most of the South China Sea were not valid, and it favored the Philippines' rights in the area.
Harassment
Harassment means bothering or threatening someone repeatedly. In this case, it refers to the Chinese forces bothering the Philippine boats.
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