Recent news from the South China Sea is dominated by heightened tensions between 

China and the Philippines, featuring maritime collisions, diplomatic disputes over territorial claims, and increased military posturing by both sides and their allies. 

Key Developments

• Maritime Incidents and Collisions: Chinese and Philippine vessels have been involved in multiple confrontations near disputed features like the Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal. A notable incident involved a Chinese naval vessel and a China Coast Guard ship colliding while pursuing a Philippine boat in August 2025. The Philippines has accused China of dangerous maneuvers, using water cannons, and jamming communications during supply missions to its military outpost on the BRP Sierra Madre.
• International Alliances and Military Drills: The Philippines is strengthening its defense cooperation with allies, including the United States, Japan, Canada, and Australia, to counter China’s aggression.
  • The U.S. and Philippines announced a new joint task force in late 2025 to reestablish deterrence in the South China Sea.
  • Canada and the Philippines signed a defense pact in November 2025 to allow for joint training exercises.
  • Joint naval drills involving multiple allied nations have become more frequent in the region.
• Diplomatic and Legal Disputes: China continues to assert its sweeping “nine-dash line” historical claims, which an international tribunal ruled against in 2016. The Philippines has rejected China’s claims and is aiming for a legally binding Code of Conduct with ASEAN members to manage the disputes.
• Military Presence:
  • The U.S. Navy has maintained a steady aircraft carrier presence in the South China Sea, with the USS George Washington recently entering the area.
  • China officially commissioned its third and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, a significant step in its naval ambitions. 

For ongoing updates, you can check news sources like Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, and Reuters via CFR.