Tensions Escalate as Chinese and Philippine Vessels Clash in South China Sea

Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels collided in the disputed South China Sea, resulting in four Filipino crew members being injured. The confrontations occurred as Southeast Asian leaders gathered for an Asian summit where concerns over Beijing’s aggression at sea were expected to be raised. The Philippines demanded that Chinese vessels leave the vicinity of the contested shoal, while the U.S., Australia, and Japan expressed concern over China's actions. The long-simmering territorial disputes in the South China Sea are expected to be discussed at an upcoming summit, with the Philippines and Vietnam planning to raise alarm over China's increasingly aggressive actions in the disputed waters.