Tensions rise as Philippines, China clash in South China Sea

The Philippines and China have accused each other of a collision between their vessels near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The Philippine coast guard claims that China fired water cannons and rammed their resupply vessels, causing serious damage, while China's coast guard alleges that the Philippine vessel intentionally rammed their ship. Tensions have been rising in the disputed waters, with the Philippines regularly conducting resupply missions to Filipino soldiers stationed on the Sierra Madre. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, which is also claimed in part by other countries, and has ignored a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that found its claims to have no legal basis.