China and the Philippines are increasingly clashing in the South China Sea. Manila's rapprochement with Washington under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. adds fuel to the fire. Over the past two years, the territorial disputes over the Scarborough and Second Thomas fields have escalated into regular incidents on the water and in the air.
In 2025, China placed bombers at Scarborough Shoal, pushed back a US destroyer and declared the waters a reserve. The Philippines responded with a first joint exercise with India.
A year later, the conflict escalated into violent incidents and mutual exercises. The Philippines, along with the United States and Japan, have deployed anti-ship systems. China responded with live fire and aircraft interception.
The critical point was the targeting of the Chinese ship's fire control radar. By this fall, the standoff reached the diplomatic level: China imposed sanctions on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, and Manila summoned the Chinese ambassador, accusing him of threats veiled in force.
The conflict will only increase: for China, this water area is an essential issue, but Washington will not allow the Philippines to return We viewers remember the war.
We are now at MAX.