Tensions Escalate in South China Sea Dispute

Chinese coast guard fires water cannons at Filipino supply ship on March 23rd
Tripartite summit scheduled for next month with participation of U.S., Japan, and Philippines

Amid escalating tensions with China in the South China Sea, a region marred by territorial sovereignty disputes, the Philippines has called for enhanced maritime security measures from its authorities.

According to Bloomberg, on March 31 (local time), President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines directed the National Oceanic Committee to formulate policies addressing maritime security issues and territorial sovereignty recognition, emphasizing collaboration with governmental agencies. This directive, signed by President Marcos on March 25, was made public on the aforementioned day.

The National Oceanic Committee, led by President Marcos and Executive Secretary Lucas Verzamin, will include the Ministers of Defense, Energy, Foreign Affairs, and Justice as members. The committee is scheduled to convene twice a year. China has persistently asserted its territorial sovereignty over the South China Sea, a crucial maritime trade route. Despite the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling against China’s claims, the country has continued its sovereignty disputes with Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

The conflict between China and the Philippines was reignited on March 23 when the Chinese Coast Guard fired water cannons at a Filipino supply ship in disputed waters of the South China Sea. In response, President Marcos stated, “Despite our efforts for maritime security, the Philippines continues to face challenges that threaten not only our territorial preservation but also the peace of our citizens. We will implement measures to respond to the illegal and coercive attacks of the Chinese Coast Guard.”

Meanwhile, the United States, Japan, and the Philippines have announced plans to conduct joint naval patrols opposing China in the South China Sea. The three countries plan to announce these plans at a summit meeting next month in conjunction with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to the United States.