MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A recent incident in the South China Sea has heightened tensions as Chinese coast guard ships and a Chinese navy helicopter harassed a group of Philippine fisheries vessels that were conducting a scientific survey. The disturbance occurred near Sandy Cay, a group of three uninhabited sandbars adjacent to an artificial island controlled by Chinese forces and a Philippines-occupied island in the Spratly archipelago, according to the Philippine coast guard's report on Saturday.

On Friday, as the Philippine vessels engaged in their survey, the Chinese coast guard approached two larger Philippine ships, causing them to maneuver to avoid a collision. Additionally, a Chinese navy helicopter flew dangerously low over two smaller boats that accompanied the research vessels, ultimately forcing the Philippine team to cancel their operations. The Philippine coast guard released videos depicting a close encounter between a Chinese coast guard ship and a Philippine vessel, alongside footage of the Chinese military helicopter hovering low over the rough seas.

While there was no immediate reaction from Chinese officials regarding the incident, China has historically claimed sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, insisting that neighboring countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, are encroaching upon its territory. The Chinese government has outlined its territorial claims using a map featuring a "nine-dash line," although it has not provided specific coordinates for these claims.

This latest flare-up in territorial disputes represents a significant challenge for President Donald Trump as tensions rise in one of the world's busiest trade and security routes. Under the previous administration, President Joe Biden sought to reinforce security alliances in Asia with the aim of countering China’s assertive actions within the South China Sea, East China Sea, and near Taiwan, which Beijing asserts it will reclaim by force if necessary.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio communicated on Wednesday with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo to discuss their shared concerns, particularly addressing "the People's Republic of China's dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea." According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio emphasized that China's behavior threatens regional peace and stability while being inconsistent with international law.

Rubio reinforced the United States' "ironclad commitments" to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty during the call. The Biden administration has consistently warned China that the U.S. is obligated to defend the Philippines, which is its oldest treaty ally in Asia, in the event of armed attacks, even within the South China Sea. In response, China has cautioned the U.S. against interfering in what it describes as a purely Asian dispute.

In summary, the escalation of tensions involving the Philippines and China over control and rights in the South China Sea shows no signs of abating. With ongoing military maneuvers and differing territorial claims, both nations are locked in a dispute that could influence regional stability and international relations