Tense Standoff: Chinese Vessels Block Filipino Ships in South China Sea

A Chinese coastguard ship came dangerously close to a Philippine patrol ship in the South China Sea, leading to a dramatic standoff that lasted for eight hours. The Chinese ship, along with militia ships, formed a blockade near the Second Thomas Shoal, which both nations claim. The Philippines condemned the incident, calling it a violation of international law. This is the second confrontation between China and the Philippines in recent months. China has accused the Philippines of breaching their territorial control, while the Philippines asserts its rights to the area. The South China Sea territorial disputes are a sensitive issue in the US-China rivalry, and the US could potentially intervene if a major clash were to occur.