China's Maritime Piracy Against the Philippines
The Chinese Coast Guards' recent interdiction of Philippine naval vessels near the Second Thomas Shoal signals a significant escalation in China's approach to the South China Sea.
Internationally, the South China Sea represents one of the most strategic and contested bodies of water. China, through overt action and rhetoric, has laid its claim to the body of water and all islands, shoals, and atolls – manmade or naturally occurring – as its sovereign territory. China has routinely used its Coast Guard and vessels of a maritime militia to enforce its so-called ‘sovereignty’ over this territory. Recently, the Chinese Coast Guard performed a maritime interdiction of Philippine Naval vessels near the Second Thomas Shoal, which has stoked controversy and regional anxiety.
The Second Thomas Shoal is located 105 nautical miles west of the Philippines, well within its established exclusive economic zone (200 nautical miles). The shoal remains a point of contention between China and the Philippines, as both claim it as part of their sovereign territory. On Monday, June 17th, Chinese Coast Guards and sailors of the Philippine Navy clashed near the Second Thomas Shoal. Video footage shows Chinese Coast Guards interdicting Philippine vessels by employing sticks, knives, axes, and tear gas against Philippine sailors.
In recent history, this is the most escalatory action that China has taken against the Philippines in asserting its claim to the shoal. This event transpires only weeks after China held military exercises that nearly encircled Taiwan. However, unlike Taiwan, the Philippines and the United States have a mutual defense treaty that ensures the security of the island nation. The use of unconventional weapons by the Chinese serves to obfuscate their military aggression toward the Philippines. Though, the interdiction of Philippine naval vessels could very well be grounds to trigger the treaty.
If the Chinese continue to push the Philippines in an aggressive manner, they are likely to be met by a proportionate response, including the use of deadly force by the Philippine Navy. If incidents like this continue to occur, the likelihood of an international incident could have severe consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world.