South China Sea Disputes: Collisions and Legal Challenges
Verdict: False
### Topic
South China Sea Disputes: Collisions and Legal Challenges
### Summary
Recent maritime incidents near Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal have heightened tensions between China and the Philippines, involving collisions and aggressive tactics during resupply missions. International bodies and nations continue to reaffirm the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, which found no legal basis for China's expansive claims in the strategically vital South China Sea.
### Body
On [August 11, 2025](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), a maritime incident occurred near [Scarborough Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) in the South China Sea, involving a collision between a [China Coast Guard vessel (3104)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and a [People's Liberation Army Navy warship (Guilin, a Type 052D destroyer)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) while they were pursuing a [Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel (BRP Suluan)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). This collision resulted in severe damage to the bow and forecastle of the [Chinese Coast Guard vessel 3104](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), rendering it inoperable, alongside visible scrapes and dents on the [Chinese navy ship Guilin](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). The [Philippine government](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) subsequently released video footage of the incident. Following this August 2025 event, the [United States](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) deployed two warships, [USS Higgins (DDG-76)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and [USS Cincinnati (LCS-20)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), to sail near [Scarborough Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), though a [Chinese navy ship](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) shadowed the US vessels without any collision or untoward incident occurring between them.
[Scarborough Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), known as [Huangyan Dao by China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), is a disputed feature claimed by [China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Taiwan](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), and the [Philippines](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). Another significant flashpoint is [Second Thomas Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) (also known as [Ren'ai Jiao by China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and [Ayungin Shoal by the Philippines](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/)), where the [Philippines](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) has maintained a grounded World War II-era landing ship, [BRP Sierra Madre](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), since [1999](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) to assert its claim. Since [2023](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Philippine resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) have encountered increasingly aggressive tactics from [Chinese Coast Guard](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and [maritime militia vessels](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), including blocking, water cannons, ramming, towing, boarding, and puncturing Philippine boats. A "particularly violent encounter" at [Second Thomas Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) on [June 17, 2024](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), resulted in a severe injury to a [Filipino soldier](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). In [July 2024](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), a "provisional arrangement" or "Provisional Understanding" was reached between [Beijing](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and [Manila](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) regarding resupply operations at [Second Thomas Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), which the [Philippine side](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) stated allowed missions to proceed without dangerous encounters until [March 4, 2026](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/).
On [July 12, 2026](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), the 10th anniversary of the [2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling on the South China Sea](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), a [joint statement by 14 countries](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) (including the [US](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [UK](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Japan](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Australia](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Philippines](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Canada](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Germany](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Italy](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [New Zealand](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Estonia](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Latvia](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Lithuania](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Romania](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), and [Slovenia](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/)) and a separate statement by the [EU](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) reaffirmed that [China's expansive claims in the South China Sea](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) have no legal basis under international law. The [2016 ruling](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), initiated by the [Philippines in 2013](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), found no legal basis for [China's "nine-dash line" claims](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and clarified maritime entitlements under the [UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/).
The [United States and its allies](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) conduct "freedom of navigation operations" (FONOPs) in the [South China Sea](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) to challenge [China's restrictions](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and assert the right of military vessels to operate in international waters, consistent with international law. The [US Navy's Seventh Fleet](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) explicitly stated that the [USS Higgins](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) "asserted navigational rights and freedoms" near [Scarborough Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) "consistent with international law," defending its right to operate wherever international law allows. The [United States](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) has repeatedly warned that it is obligated to defend the [Philippines](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) if [Filipino forces](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) come under an armed attack, including in the [South China Sea](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), under their mutual defense treaty.
The [2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), constituted under [UNCLOS](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), is considered "final, legally binding and definitive" by the [United States](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), the [European Union](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), and [13 other nations](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). This ruling concluded there was no legal basis for [China's claim to historic rights](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) over most of the [South China Sea](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) under its "nine-dash line" and found that several maritime features claimed by [China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) did not generate extensive maritime zones under international law. The [Philippines](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) asserts sovereign rights to [Second Thomas Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), which lies within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and justifies its military outpost, the [BRP Sierra Madre](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), as a response to [Chinese encroachment](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). The [U.S. Pacific Command's legal office](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) stated on [July 14, 2026](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), that [China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) remains in violation of international law by not abiding by the [2016 ruling](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). A [joint statement by 14 nations and the EU](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) on [July 12, 2026](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), reaffirmed "strong opposition to the use of coast guard, military and maritime militia forces to harass, obstruct, intimidate lawful operations by other states at sea or in the air and in so doing endanger the safety of personnel and fishermen and seriously degrade regional peace and security."
[China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) maintains its sovereignty over the [Spratly Islands](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), including [Second Thomas Shoal (Ren'ai Jiao)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), and views the [Philippines' grounding of the BRP Sierra Madre](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) as an illegal intrusion that infringes on [Chinese sovereignty](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and violates the [2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). [China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) rejects the [2016 arbitration ruling](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) as "null and void," "illegal and invalid," and having "no binding force," stating it "neither accepts nor recognizes" the tribunal's decision. [China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) stated on [July 14, 2026](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), that the "South China Sea Arbitration" was a "political farce unilaterally initiated by the Philippines under the guise of law" and a "stunt pulled by the US and a handful of Western countries for the political purpose of containing China." [China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) claims the [2016 award](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) "seriously contravene the general practice of international arbitration" and infringe upon [China's sovereign rights under UNCLOS](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/).
[China's Southern Theater Command](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) claimed it "tracked, monitored, warned, and expelled" the [USS Higgins](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) after the ship allegedly entered [Chinese territorial waters](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) without government approval, violating [China's sovereignty](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). [Beijing](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) describes [US-led military deployments](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) as the "primary threat" to regional peace in the [South China Sea](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). [China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) has constructed ports, military installations, and airstrips on artificial islands in the [South China Sea](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) to back up its claims. [Chinese officials](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) urge concerned countries to respect [China's territorial and maritime rights](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and to stop actions that undermine regional stability. Analysts suggest that the unenforced [2016 decision](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) has failed to curb regional maritime tensions, and [China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) should engage in good-faith diplomacy and explore international mediation. Experts stated that the "South China Sea Arbitration" has become a primary political tool for certain countries to hype up the [South China Sea issue](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and interfere in regional affairs, with the [US](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) attempting to exert "collective pressure" on [China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and sow division. The [Philippines](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) is accused of pursuing a strategy of "aligning with external powers to contain China" by courting extra-regional countries such as the [US](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Japan](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), and [Australia](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/).
### Verification
The Philippine government released video footage of the August 2025 maritime incident. The 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, which found no legal basis for China's "nine-dash line" claims, is considered "final, legally binding and definitive" by the United States, the European Union, and 13 other nations.
### Supplement
The South China Sea is a strategically vital waterway, handling about one-third of global maritime trade annually and believed to contain substantial oil and natural gas reserves. China adopted the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1996.
### Evidence
- Source URL: `https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/`
South China Sea Disputes: Collisions and Legal Challenges
### Summary
Recent maritime incidents near Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal have heightened tensions between China and the Philippines, involving collisions and aggressive tactics during resupply missions. International bodies and nations continue to reaffirm the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, which found no legal basis for China's expansive claims in the strategically vital South China Sea.
### Body
On [August 11, 2025](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), a maritime incident occurred near [Scarborough Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) in the South China Sea, involving a collision between a [China Coast Guard vessel (3104)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and a [People's Liberation Army Navy warship (Guilin, a Type 052D destroyer)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) while they were pursuing a [Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel (BRP Suluan)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). This collision resulted in severe damage to the bow and forecastle of the [Chinese Coast Guard vessel 3104](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), rendering it inoperable, alongside visible scrapes and dents on the [Chinese navy ship Guilin](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). The [Philippine government](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) subsequently released video footage of the incident. Following this August 2025 event, the [United States](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) deployed two warships, [USS Higgins (DDG-76)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and [USS Cincinnati (LCS-20)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), to sail near [Scarborough Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), though a [Chinese navy ship](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) shadowed the US vessels without any collision or untoward incident occurring between them.
[Scarborough Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), known as [Huangyan Dao by China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), is a disputed feature claimed by [China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Taiwan](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), and the [Philippines](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). Another significant flashpoint is [Second Thomas Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) (also known as [Ren'ai Jiao by China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and [Ayungin Shoal by the Philippines](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/)), where the [Philippines](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) has maintained a grounded World War II-era landing ship, [BRP Sierra Madre](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), since [1999](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) to assert its claim. Since [2023](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Philippine resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) have encountered increasingly aggressive tactics from [Chinese Coast Guard](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and [maritime militia vessels](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), including blocking, water cannons, ramming, towing, boarding, and puncturing Philippine boats. A "particularly violent encounter" at [Second Thomas Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) on [June 17, 2024](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), resulted in a severe injury to a [Filipino soldier](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). In [July 2024](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), a "provisional arrangement" or "Provisional Understanding" was reached between [Beijing](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and [Manila](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) regarding resupply operations at [Second Thomas Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), which the [Philippine side](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) stated allowed missions to proceed without dangerous encounters until [March 4, 2026](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/).
On [July 12, 2026](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), the 10th anniversary of the [2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling on the South China Sea](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), a [joint statement by 14 countries](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) (including the [US](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [UK](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Japan](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Australia](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Philippines](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Canada](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Germany](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Italy](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [New Zealand](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Estonia](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Latvia](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Lithuania](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Romania](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), and [Slovenia](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/)) and a separate statement by the [EU](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) reaffirmed that [China's expansive claims in the South China Sea](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) have no legal basis under international law. The [2016 ruling](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), initiated by the [Philippines in 2013](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), found no legal basis for [China's "nine-dash line" claims](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and clarified maritime entitlements under the [UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/).
The [United States and its allies](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) conduct "freedom of navigation operations" (FONOPs) in the [South China Sea](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) to challenge [China's restrictions](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and assert the right of military vessels to operate in international waters, consistent with international law. The [US Navy's Seventh Fleet](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) explicitly stated that the [USS Higgins](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) "asserted navigational rights and freedoms" near [Scarborough Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) "consistent with international law," defending its right to operate wherever international law allows. The [United States](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) has repeatedly warned that it is obligated to defend the [Philippines](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) if [Filipino forces](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) come under an armed attack, including in the [South China Sea](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), under their mutual defense treaty.
The [2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), constituted under [UNCLOS](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), is considered "final, legally binding and definitive" by the [United States](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), the [European Union](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), and [13 other nations](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). This ruling concluded there was no legal basis for [China's claim to historic rights](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) over most of the [South China Sea](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) under its "nine-dash line" and found that several maritime features claimed by [China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) did not generate extensive maritime zones under international law. The [Philippines](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) asserts sovereign rights to [Second Thomas Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), which lies within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and justifies its military outpost, the [BRP Sierra Madre](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), as a response to [Chinese encroachment](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). The [U.S. Pacific Command's legal office](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) stated on [July 14, 2026](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), that [China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) remains in violation of international law by not abiding by the [2016 ruling](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). A [joint statement by 14 nations and the EU](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) on [July 12, 2026](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), reaffirmed "strong opposition to the use of coast guard, military and maritime militia forces to harass, obstruct, intimidate lawful operations by other states at sea or in the air and in so doing endanger the safety of personnel and fishermen and seriously degrade regional peace and security."
[China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) maintains its sovereignty over the [Spratly Islands](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), including [Second Thomas Shoal (Ren'ai Jiao)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), and views the [Philippines' grounding of the BRP Sierra Madre](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) as an illegal intrusion that infringes on [Chinese sovereignty](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and violates the [2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). [China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) rejects the [2016 arbitration ruling](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) as "null and void," "illegal and invalid," and having "no binding force," stating it "neither accepts nor recognizes" the tribunal's decision. [China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) stated on [July 14, 2026](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), that the "South China Sea Arbitration" was a "political farce unilaterally initiated by the Philippines under the guise of law" and a "stunt pulled by the US and a handful of Western countries for the political purpose of containing China." [China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) claims the [2016 award](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) "seriously contravene the general practice of international arbitration" and infringe upon [China's sovereign rights under UNCLOS](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/).
[China's Southern Theater Command](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) claimed it "tracked, monitored, warned, and expelled" the [USS Higgins](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) after the ship allegedly entered [Chinese territorial waters](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) without government approval, violating [China's sovereignty](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). [Beijing](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) describes [US-led military deployments](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) as the "primary threat" to regional peace in the [South China Sea](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/). [China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) has constructed ports, military installations, and airstrips on artificial islands in the [South China Sea](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) to back up its claims. [Chinese officials](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) urge concerned countries to respect [China's territorial and maritime rights](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and to stop actions that undermine regional stability. Analysts suggest that the unenforced [2016 decision](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) has failed to curb regional maritime tensions, and [China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) should engage in good-faith diplomacy and explore international mediation. Experts stated that the "South China Sea Arbitration" has become a primary political tool for certain countries to hype up the [South China Sea issue](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and interfere in regional affairs, with the [US](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) attempting to exert "collective pressure" on [China](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) and sow division. The [Philippines](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/) is accused of pursuing a strategy of "aligning with external powers to contain China" by courting extra-regional countries such as the [US](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), [Japan](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/), and [Australia](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/).
### Verification
The Philippine government released video footage of the August 2025 maritime incident. The 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, which found no legal basis for China's "nine-dash line" claims, is considered "final, legally binding and definitive" by the United States, the European Union, and 13 other nations.
### Supplement
The South China Sea is a strategically vital waterway, handling about one-third of global maritime trade annually and believed to contain substantial oil and natural gas reserves. China adopted the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1996.
### Evidence
- Source URL: `https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-china-naval-clash-south-china-sea-escalates-tensions-2026-07-15/`