China and Philippines Clash in Third South China Sea Incident This Week

This week saw three separate confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea, escalating tensions near Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal.

What happened

On July 21, near Second Thomas Shoal, China accused Philippine boats of ramming a Chinese patrol vessel, while Manila said Chinese personnel struck a Filipino soldier Source: Emol. Two days later, China's coast guard expelled two Philippine official vessels from waters near Scarborough Shoal, citing illegal entry Source: Infobae. On July 24, Chinese ships fired water cannons at Philippine vessels, including one carrying a CNN team, forcing them to abort a re-supply mission Source: CNN. A total of 15 Chinese vessels and 10 Philippine ships were involved Source: CNN.

The reaction

Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro protested to Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at the ASEAN meeting Source: Infobae. China's foreign ministry accused Manila of provocation and distortion Source: Emol. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also in Manila, reaffirmed the US-Philippines defense treaty Source: Infobae.