Second Thomas Shoal

The Philippines’ bold and creative moves to defy China provide a powerful example to the other Southeast Asian nations on how they, too, can resist Chinese interference.

China's campaign of escalation against the Philippine-held Second Thomas Shoal will only strengthen Manila's ties with supportive outside powers.

Washington has once again affirmed that it has a treaty obligation to defend the Philippines against any armed attack in the contested waterway.

While minor, the two collisions demonstrate the dangers inherent in Beijing’s campaign of escalation in the South China Sea.

The criticisms followed another close call in contested waters, this time in the vicinity of Philippine-occupied Thitu Island.

The stand-off is just the latest to take place at Second Thomas Shoal, a Philippine-occupied feature in the South China Sea.

Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos' comments come two days after the Philippine Coast Guard removed a barrier that Chinese ships had installed at the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

The move follows an incident last month in which a Chinese vessel forcibly prevented the resupply of Filipino forces on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

The atoll in the South China Sea has been subject to what some observers have characterized as a Chinese blockade.

Government officials, including two former presidents, have denied Beijing's claim that Manila made an agreement to remove the ship from the disputed shoal.

Enrique Manalo's comments come at a time of growing tension over Second Thomas Shoal, a Philippine-occupied atoll in the Spratly Islands.

The announcement comes at a time of increased Chinese assertiveness in disputed waters.