New Incidents Raise Tensions Over Disputed Waters

Philippines, China Trade Barbs After South China Sea Collision

New Incidents Raise Tensions Over Disputed Waters

Philippines Accuses China of 'Brutal' Attack

Tensions between the Philippines and China are escalating after a collision between a Chinese vessel and a Philippine supply ship near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

The Philippines has accused China's Coast Guard of launching a "brutal assault" with bladed weapons during the incident, which occurred on June 9.

Beijing has denied the allegations, claiming that its vessels were only "defending their sovereignty."

• The latest incident is part of a long-running dispute between the Philippines and China over the Spratly Islands, which are claimed by both countries.
• The islands are strategically located in the South China Sea, a key shipping lane that is also believed to be rich in oil and gas deposits.
• The Philippines has accused China of using its military power to intimidate its neighbors and assert its territorial claims.

Interim Deal to Ease Tensions

In an effort to ease tensions, the Philippines and China have agreed to an interim deal to smooth deliveries to Philippine marines marooned on a ship at a hotly disputed reef in the South China Sea.

Under the deal, Chinese vessels will allow Filipino boats to deliver food and supplies to the marines, who have been stationed on the reef since 2012.

However, the deal does not resolve the underlying dispute over the reef, which is claimed by both the Philippines and China.

China's Growing Influence in the South China Sea

The Spratly Islands are just one of several areas in the South China Sea where China is asserting its territorial claims.

In recent years, China has been building artificial islands in the sea, and it has also increased its military presence in the area.

These actions have sparked concerns among other countries in the region, who fear that China is trying to dominate the South China Sea.

Living in China's Military Shadow

More than 200 Filipino civilian settlers on a contested island in the South China Sea find themselves living in China's military shadow.

The settlers, who have lived on the island for decades, have been forced to adapt to the growing Chinese presence in the area.

They are now subject to Chinese military patrols and regulations, and they fear that they may eventually be forced to leave the island.