International maritime law
What is the territorial dispute over Scarborough Shoal between China and the Philippines?
The Scarborough Shoal is a strategic triangular chain of reefs and rocks located 240km west of the Philippines' main island Luzon and nearly 900km from China's Hainan. China forcibly seized this territory from the Philippines in 2012, despite its proximity to Philippine shores. Recently, tensions escalated when a Chinese navy helicopter flew dangerously close to a Philippine surveillance aircraft carrying journalists over the disputed area. Despite a 2016 international ruling invalidating China's sweeping claims to the South China Sea, Beijing continues its aggressive expansion in the region, leading to repeated confrontations with Philippine vessels resupplying Filipino fishermen in the area.
Watch clip answer (01:49m)
WION
00:00 - 01:49
How is the Philippines responding to China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea?
The Philippines is maintaining a defiant stance against China's increasingly aggressive patrols near its shores. Manila is actively ramping up military patrols, coordinating with allies, and calling for stronger international support to counter Chinese intimidation. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has firmly stated that the Philippines will not yield to Chinese pressure, warning that such continued incursions pose a threat to regional stability. The government is committed to protecting its sovereignty despite Beijing's provocative military actions that venture alarmingly close to Philippine territory.
Watch clip answer (00:26m)WION
02:23 - 02:49
How is the Philippines responding to Chinese intimidation in the South China Sea?
The Philippines is implementing a multi-faceted approach to counter Chinese intimidation in the South China Sea. According to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Manila is strategically ramping up military patrols throughout the disputed waters while simultaneously coordinating diplomatic efforts with international allies. The Philippine government is actively seeking stronger international support to bolster its position against China's aggressive tactics. President Marcos has firmly stated that the Philippines will not yield to Chinese intimidation, emphasizing that such continued incursions pose a significant threat to regional stability.
Watch clip answer (00:16m)
WION
01:59 - 02:15
What recent military action has China taken that escalated tensions with the Philippines in the South China Sea?
China has recently escalated tensions through provocative military maneuvers in the South China Sea, specifically by deploying a Chinese Navy helicopter that flew dangerously close to a Philippine surveillance aircraft near Scarborough Shoal. The Philippine Coast Guard released images documenting this dangerous encounter, which occurred while the surveillance aircraft was carrying journalists over the disputed area. This helicopter, identified as belonging to the People's Liberation Army Navy, represents part of China's ongoing pattern of challenging Philippine sovereignty despite a 2016 international ruling against China's territorial claims. These aggressive actions mark a dramatic acceleration of the territorial dispute between the two nations in this strategically important region.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)WION
00:00 - 00:21