How has the conflict between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea escalated in recent months?

Recent months have witnessed intensifying confrontations in the South China Sea, with Chinese Coast Guard vessels firing water cannons at Philippine fishing vessels and conducting dangerous side-sweeping maneuvers against government boats. These aggressive actions, documented as early as December last year, represent a significant escalation in the territorial dispute. Despite these provocations, Manila remains defiant and has vowed to stand firm against Beijing's increasingly aggressive maritime patrols that venture dangerously close to Philippine shores. The Philippines is determined to defend its sovereignty in the face of China's intimidation tactics in the contested waters.