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Philippines–China Vessel Collision in south china sea

14 Oct 2025 GS 2 International Relations

Context

  • On October 12, 2025, a collision occurred between a Philippine government vessel (BRP Datu Pagbuaya) and a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship near Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island) in the Spratly Islands, a highly contested region of the South China Sea (SCS).

Geopolitical Context

  • Thitu (Pag-asa) Island:

    • Controlled by the Philippines but claimed by China.

    • Located within the Spratly Islands, a group of islands and reefs claimed by multiple countries.

  • Scarborough Shoal:

    • Another flashpoint between the two nations; a prime fishing ground claimed by both.

    • Often used by the Philippines to highlight Chinese interference in fishing rights.

  • South China Sea:

    • A strategic maritime corridor carrying $3 trillion+ in annual trade.

    • Claimed almost entirely by China, using the “Nine-Dash Line” (rejected by international law).

    • Also claimed in parts by Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Legal and Diplomatic Aspects

  • UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea):

    • Recognizes Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) extending 200 nautical miles from a country’s coast.

    • The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), The Hague (2016) ruled against China’s expansive claims — invalidating the Nine-Dash Line — but China rejected the ruling.

  • Current Violation:

    • Use of force and coercion by coast guard vessels violates freedom of navigation and UNCLOS norms.


Practice prelims mcq

Q. Sandy Cay, recently in news, is located closest to which of the following islands?

A. Mischief Reef
B. Thitu Island

C. Subi Reef

D. Fiery Cross Reef

Answer: B
Explanation: Sandy Cay is a group of sandbars about 5 km from Thitu Island, which is occupied by the Philippines in the Spratly archipelago.

Q. The “Nine-Dash Line” that forms the basis of China’s claim in the South China Sea includes which of the following areas?

  1. Spratly Islands
  2. Paracel Islands
  3. Scarborough Shoal
  4. Natuna Islands

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B
Explanation: China’s “Nine-Dash Line” encompasses almost the entire South China Sea including the Paracels, Spratlys, and Scarborough Shoal. The Natuna Islands (Indonesia) lie outside the line.



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