Relations between the Philippines and China have significantly deteriorated under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as the Philippines has increasingly aligned itself with the United States, particularly in maritime disputes in the South China Sea. Here’s a timeline highlighting pivotal events over the last two years that have aggravated tensions between the two countries:
2024
- January 3: The Philippines and the U.S. conducted their second joint naval patrol in the South China Sea, prompting China to carry out similar military drills.
- March 5: Manila accused the Chinese Coast Guard of reckless actions causing a collision with its vessels near the Second Thomas Shoal. Beijing responded by claiming that Philippine boats intruded.
- June 17: A Philippine sailor reportedly lost a finger due to a ramming incident involving the Chinese Coast Guard, which Beijing denied.
- July 8: The Philippines and Japan signed a landmark military agreement allowing for troop deployments in each other’s territories.
- July 22: Manila and Beijing established a provisional arrangement for resupplying at the Second Thomas Shoal.
- August 2: The Philippines and Japan held their first joint military exercises in the South China Sea.
- August 9: Philippine and Vietnamese coast guards conducted their first collaborative exercise.
- August 10: Manila reported that Chinese jets dropped flares near its patrol aircraft over Scarborough Shoal.
- August 31: Accusations flew between Manila and Beijing regarding a ramming incident near Sabina Shoal.
- September 28: The Philippines participated in maritime drills alongside Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the U.S., while China engaged in separate exercises.
- October 11: The Philippine government asserted that a Chinese militia vessel had sideswiped a local fishing boat near Thitu Island.
- November 8: The Philippines enacted maritime laws delineating sea zones, which drew protests from Beijing.
2025
- January 6: The Philippines dispatched ships and aircraft to monitor China’s largest coast guard vessel within its exclusive economic zone.
- February 18: Manila accused the Chinese navy of dangerous maneuvers near Scarborough Shoal; China disputed the claim.
- March 28: Satellite images revealed that China had deployed H-6 bombers around Scarborough Shoal.
- April 28: The Philippines rejected reports suggesting that China had seized Sandy Cay reef.
- May 5: Manila challenged Chinese research ships conducting what it deemed illegal marine surveys off its coast.
- July 18: China protested against the Philippines’ perceived negative actions regarding Taiwan and maritime issues.
- August 4: For the first time, the Philippine and Indian navies operated together in the South China Sea.
- August 12: Manila condemned what it called “dangerous maneuvers” from Chinese vessels at Scarborough Shoal, claiming they led to collisions.
- August 13: Reports surfaced that China had driven away a U.S. destroyer near Scarborough Shoal; the U.S. Navy stated its operations were in accordance with international law.
- September 10: China authorized the creation of a national reserve at Scarborough Shoal.
- September 16: The Chinese Coast Guard used water cannons against Philippine ships near Scarborough Shoal, resulting in injuries.
- October 12: Manila accused the Chinese Coast Guard of ramming and using water cannons against Philippine fishing vessels near Thitu Island.
Overall, the mounting incidents underscore a complex and tense relationship between the Philippines and China, characterized by confrontations in disputed maritime territories and a strategic pivot by Manila toward its alliance with the United States.
