Two U.S. Navy warships sailed into the tense waters of the South China Sea this week, a bold move following a collision between Chinese military vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
According to the Military Times, the deployment of the guided missile destroyer Higgins and the littoral combat ship Cincinnati came after a Chinese navy destroyer and a coast guard ship crashed into each other on Monday while attempting to block a Philippine coast guard vessel, the BRP Suluan.
The incident unfolded just 10.5 nautical miles from the shoal, a hotspot of contention between China and the Philippines. The U.S. ships, while navigating roughly 30 nautical miles from the shoal, were shadowed by a Chinese navy vessel. Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela confirmed no hostile encounters occurred during this patrol, based on U.S. reports and surveillance flights.
Escalating Tensions in Disputed Waters
Video evidence released by the Philippine Coast Guard captured the Chinese ships’ aggressive tactics before their collision. It shows a Chinese coast guard vessel unleashing a powerful water cannon, followed by the navy ship’s sharp turn that led to a heavily damaged bow on the coast guard ship.
The aftermath revealed deep dents and gashes on the Chinese navy ship’s hull. Such reckless maneuvers in a busy trade route underscore the volatility of these territorial disputes, where China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan all stake claims.
On the same day as the U.S. deployment, a Chinese fighter jet executed dangerous maneuvers near a Philippine surveillance plane over Scarborough Shoal. Tarriela noted the jet flew as close as 500 feet, even soaring just 200 feet above the smaller aircraft for about 20 minutes, risking a mid-air disaster.
International Condemnation of Chinese Actions
Japan, Australia, and New Zealand swiftly voiced concern over the incident, pointing to the need for restraint. Japanese Ambassador to Manila Endo Kazuya posted on X, “Japan upholds the rule of law and opposes any actions which increase tensions,” a polite but firm jab at China’s repeated provocations.
Australia’s embassy in Manila echoed the sentiment, calling out the “dangerous and unprofessional conduct of Chinese vessels.” Their statement pressed for de-escalation and respect for international law, a reminder that global eyes are watching this maritime chess game.
The U.S. ambassador to Manila, MaryKay Carlson, didn’t mince words either, condemning “the latest reckless action by China directed against a Philippine vessel.” Her statement reinforces Washington’s stance as a steadfast ally to the Philippines, bound by treaty to defend against armed attacks in these waters.
Lessons in Maritime Missteps
Tarriela himself offered a pointed observation at a news conference in Manila, saying, “This is a learning experience for the People’s Republic of China.” His words carry weight, suggesting that years of warnings about risky blockades and ignoring collision regulations have culminated in China’s own ships paying the price.
The U.S. Navy’s presence, part of its long-standing freedom-of-navigation operations, serves as a counter to China’s expansive claims and demands for entry notifications across nearly all of the South China Sea. These patrols, while routine, often provoke close encounters with Chinese forces, yet no incidents marred this latest deployment.
The Scarborough Shoal, a rich fishing ground off the northwestern Philippines, remains a flashpoint for increasingly tense standoffs. Both Chinese and Philippine vessels, from coast guard to fishing boats, have clashed here repeatedly, turning a vital resource into a geopolitical tinderbox.
A Call for Reason Amid Rising Stakes
Washington’s commitment to the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, looms large over these waters. The U.S. has made it clear that an armed attack on Filipino forces, even in the South China Sea, would trigger a defensive response, a line in the sand China seems eager to test.
International voices continue to urge caution, recognizing the South China Sea as a critical global trade route that cannot afford miscalculations. The collision between Chinese ships, coupled with their jet’s near-miss with a Philippine plane, paints a picture of a region teetering on the edge of unintended conflict.
Perhaps it’s time for Beijing to heed Tarriela’s advice and rethink the wisdom of dangerous posturing. Stability in these waters demands adherence to basic maritime rules, not a game of chicken that risks lives and livelihoods on all sides.
