A week ago, a Chinese warship collided with a vessel from its own coast guard following a high-speed chase with a Philippine patrol boat in the West Philippine Sea.
The incident took place near Scarborough Shoal, a traditional fishing ground for Filipino fishermen, located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone but has been controlled by China since 2012.
The Philippines asserts rights to its traditional fishing grounds and islands in the West Philippine Sea. Of the 40 features it claims, Manila occupies just nine.
Beijing claims the islands and features in the entire South China Sea through its sweeping nine-dash line, and its refusal to recognize a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague meant that Philippine vessels have been subject to China's aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.
Chinese vessels have repeatedly swarmed near these outposts – intimidating fishermen and blocking Philippine Coast Guard patrols.
Week after week, Philippine patrols record new encounters.
Kalayaan Island, one of Manila's key strongholds, now sits under the shadow of Beijing's growing presence.
Chinese coast guard and militia ships move in tight formations, circling nearby features, and tailing patrol boats.
Each maneuver carries the same message: These waters belong to China.
