Tensions flared anew in the South China Sea after China deployed several coast guard ships, maritime militia vessels, and fast boats with mounted weapons near a Philippine warship grounded at Second T

At least two Chinese research vessels have been operating around Scarborough Shoal at the same time as a Philippine coastguard ship has been patrolling the disputed area of the Sea. The Xiang Yang Hong 10,

Analysts are divided over the motive, with some calling it an ‘image repair manoeuvre’ while others point to regional military drills.

The U.S. has denied China's claim its forces drove the USS Higgins from the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.

China harasses a U.S. ally after its President says he’d back Taiwan.

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The U.S. deployed two warships Wednesday in a disputed South China Sea shoal where two Chinese ships collided earlier in the week while trying to drive away a smaller Philippine ship in a high-seas accident that raised alarms about maritime safety.

Since 2023, Manila has stepped up its pushback against China's expanding presence within its maritime zone, at times leading to clashes and raising concerns an incident could trigger the U.S.–Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. The tensions have driven the Philippines to pursue closer defense ties with the U.S. and several other countries.

On Monday, China's coast guard said it took necessary measures to expel Philippine vessels from waters around the Scarborough Shoal. The Philippine said it had offered medical aid and other support to the Chinese side, including an offer to tow the damaged China Coast Guard vessel out of the area.

The U.S. sent two warships to a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, where two Chinese ships recently collided while chasing a boat from the Philippines.

U.S. Marines have launched amphibious training in the Philippines with Filipino and Australian troops, shortly after completing a disaster-response mission in the country’s north.

A maritime expert said the country has “nothing to gain” by deploying warships off Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, while another said there is a need to calibrate strategy in anticipation of more intense Chinese actions following a collision between a People’s Liberation Army-Navy warship and a China Coast Guard vessel.