Twin collisions in the South China Sea are testing Philippine and U.S. resolve toward Chinese gray-zone tactics in the disputed maritime region.
- Unless more escalatory measures ensue, the United States remains unlikely to directly intervene militarily.
On Oct. 22, two collisions took place near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea between Chinese and Philippine vessels within the latter’s exclusive economic zone.
- First, a Chinese coast guard vessel collided with a Philippine transport ship…
- Two hours later, a Chinese maritime militia vessel collided with a Philippine coast guard ship.