Main Points of Contention
Territorial Disputes
The two major disputes between China and the Philippines are focused around the Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands. Scarborough Shoal, 120 nautical miles from the Zambales province in the Philippines, lies inside the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). China proposes this on basis of nine-dash line, an identification against the tenets of international law.
There are the Spratly Islands, an archipelago covering 425,000 square kilometers in the South China Sea. Tensions have been running high since China constructed artificial islands and built military installations on them. In retaliation, the Philippines has fortified its own claims by invoking international rulings and alliances.
Fishing Rights and Resources
Fishing rights are a dialogue in the sea dispute. It provides 12 percent of the world’s fish catch and is regarded as one of the most productive fishing grounds worldwide. In a series, the Chinese fishing vessels are believed to have encroached farther and farther into areas long used by Filipino fishermen, consequently leading to numerous incidents.
The available similar number from the Philippine Coast Guard in 2023 was 57, rising sharply from 35 in 2022. These incidents not only compromise the survival of local fishermen but also contribute to diplomatic friction.
Military Presence & Activity
They have increased deployments of the military into contested zones. Joint patrols with the United States have helped enable the Philippines to patrol its waters more while enhancing its naval capability. China has militarized the surrounding islands, installing anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles there.
A major naval confrontation took place in June 2024 near the Ayungin Shoal when Chinese vessels tried to prevent a Philippine resupply mission. Both sides accused the other of aggressive maneuvers, and the standoff lasted over 16 hours. The incidents demonstrated how the conflict has the potential to easily spiral out of control into a military situation.
The ruling has placed the South China Sea issue as a crucial part of the Philippines’ diplomatic strategy. The tribunal, judging that all of China’s presumed “historical rights” in the area encompassed by the nine-dash line had zero legal basis, even as the Chinese nation has defied the ruling, continued to perform military and construction activities under this pretense. The Philippines tried to invoke the support of other countries, such as the United States, Japan, Australia, and the European Union. From the economic perspective, the South China Sea is not only abundant in marine resources but also holds the capacity of critical commercial passage, with the USD 3.37 trillion-worth of commerce passing through every year. The presence or absence of this trade route will become a significant factor in determining the outcomes of this dispute.
The energy exploration aspect adds another problem: the Philippine Department of Energy estimates the Reed Bank’s resources, an area inside the disputed territory, at 5.4 billion barrels of oil and 55.1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Meanwhile, 1,295 hectares of coral reefs have been destroyed by China with its land reclamation and construction efforts, causing an “irreversible” effect on the marine habitat. The Philippines has, together with other ASEAN nations, called for further environmental protection: however, China mostly ignored.
China’s Response and Position
Historic Claims Re-asserted
China makes historical claims dating back centuries on the South China Sea. The nine dash lines were drawn up formally for the first time in 1947, and claim most of the South China Sea. Beijing says the waters have been Chinese territory since ancient times. Beijing has always said Chinese fishermen and traders have a historical claim to using these routes.
Over the years, China has underscored these claims by expanding its footprint in the area as evidenced on recent incidents.
Economic Development and the Sea
China defends such actions in the South China Sea by referring to economic development and resource extraction. The region is that China enjoys good fishing resources and fish resource security is one of the most important strategic goals for sovereignty. Second, the hydrocarbon reserves that could be tapped are massive with estimates from the China National Offshore Oil Corporation ranging from 125 billion barrels of oil to 500 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the South China Sea.
In order to access these resources, China opened drilling operations on the seabed. The Hainan Province exercises sovereignty over enclaves like the Paracel and Spratly Islands, while asserting expansive maritime rights across a large swath of contested waters, and in March 2024 China deployed its new state-of-the-art deepwater drilling rig Haiyang Shiyou 982 to search for fresh oil fields.
Military Enhancements
In the South China Sea, China has fortified its military capabilities, saying it was protecting itself. The People’s Liberation Army Navy has increased the quality its drag with deploying recent destroyers and submarines.
China had more than 50 surface combatants (non-submarine warships) and ten nuclear submarines in the region by mid-2024, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). China has also built airstrips on some artificial islands, with the placement of fighter jets and surveillance planes apparently facilitated as a result.
Diplomatic Strategies
China follows this diplomacy in bilateral and multilateral engagements. Chinese officials have held consultations with ASEAN counterparts on a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea repeatedly. Much of these discussions have been caught up due to different nationalities that every one cares for.
At the same time, China has attempted to consolidate its bilateral relationships with other claimants through economic sweeteners. The following year, China and Malaysia signed USD 34 billion worth of deals for investments and infrastructure projects, illustrating the Chinese modus operandi in deploying economic diplomacy to assuage regional resistance.
International Solidarity Rejected
China has long refused to recognize international rulings in its territorial disputes. Beijing rejected the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling that nullified the nine-dash line. That is a move which Chinese officials insist infringe on the country’s sovereignty as well as territorial integrity.
In its 2024 declaration, China Foreign Minister repeated that it does not accept any one-sided act or legal ruling in opposition to Chinese interests over the sea. The policy position has been a cause of ongoing friction with other claimants and the international community, especially as it contravenes international law.
Propaganda and Public Opinion
There is the extensive propaganda work by China to manage narratives at home and abroad. Official media often run stories on China’s historical claims and present Beijing as advocating peace and lawfulness. China has literally laid claim it since the early 21st century; in a poll by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences as far back as 2024, 87% of Chinese reported their belief that the South China Sea belongs to China by convention. Resilient popular backing reinforces the government’s stance and legitimizes its aggressive policy.
Philippines’ Strategy and Actions
Legislation and Global Assistance
The broad anti-China claims of the PHL have been deftly used as a part of broader strategies within international law. In 2013 the Philippines filed an arbitration case under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This led to the 2016 decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration which concluded that China’s “nine-dash line” has no legal basis. The legal victory is a key part of the Philippines’ approach that defines its rights and secures foreign backing.
Military Capability Enhancement
The Philippines built up its military capabilities to strengthen its defense. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have undergone numerous procurement measures — entering as far as receiving new naval vessels, aircraft and radar systems. Enter the two new frigates commissioned in 2024 by the Philippines, both of which come armed with modern missile systems; these are BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna.
In 2024, the Philippines budgeted $4.5 billion for armed service modernization. Increased joint exercises with the United States and Japan have emphasized interoperability and maritime defense.
Political Partners and Alliances
In the case of the Philippines, diplomacy is a centerpiece. Enhancing alliances with conventional partners including the United States, Japan and Australia has been a focus area. These alliances are not limited to military, and include economic and political. In April 2024, the Philippines has signed a new defense pact with Japan which allow them to intensify confidential intelligence-sharing and more joint training exercises.
For the Philippines, ASEAN is a key platform. Manila has called for a unified ASEAN stance on the South China Sea issue and seeks an early conclusion of Code of Conduct with China. The Philippines is likewise in dialogue with the European Union and other international actors to create a collective front for Manila’s interests in encouraging claims and maintaining maritime security.
Economic Considerations & Resource Utilisation
The strategy of the Philippines is also a bit of economic resilience. The government has been developing its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) resources including oil and gas with CEEC investment. The Philippines awarded a service contract for the Reed Bank, an undisputed archipelagic sea bottom in western Palawan province of South China Sea to a new joint venture in 2023 with Energy Firm from Europe concerning to explore for hydrocarbon reserves.
Efforts to improve fisheries management have had similar success in the Philippines. Protecting them from illegal activities and ensuring the sustainability of marine resource use are two new measures for which regulations have been developed and patrols initiated. They are part of efforts to project sovereignty and support local fishing-based economies.
The original version of this report was presented at the International Conference on Public Diplomacy and Information Warfare.
Public diplomacy has important impacts at home and abroad. Herrera said that the Philippine government has launched information campaigns to let the public know about what is happening in the South China Sea so as it educate its people on why national sovereignty and international law are important.
Each of these is coupled with aggressive social media and international lobbying campaigns. The Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based order is accentuated by high-profile diplomatic visits and statements during global forums such as the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Environmental Initiatives
For the Philippines, environmental protection has been a central pillar of its South China Sea activities. It has, in partnership with international environmental agencies, also been monitoring and controlling against the impact on flora and fauna that might be caused by activities at sea. Philippines began a 2024 project to restore coral in the Spratly Islands that had been damaged by illegal fishing and building efforts.
Japan’s Involvement
Philippines Gets Diplomatic Boost
Japan is one of the few countries which has supported the Philippines in its spat with China over the South China Sea. Japan has been the third-party validator to the Philippines’ territorial claims and respect for international law, specifically the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, in many international fora. In 2024, Japan’s Foreign Minister restated the Japan’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the role of maritime disputes in rule of law.
Japan is working with other stakeholders in the region, both one-on-one and in groups identified, issuing joint statements and taking an active part in ASEAN’s ministerial forums to maintain regional solidarity against any form of unilateral actions that destabilise peace.
Economic Support And Development Initiatives
The Philippines owes much to Japan for its maritime-related economic development. In the record 2024, Japan concluded a $2 billion aid deal with Philippines and aimed on enhancing port facilities and for the procurement of new coast guard vessels.
These non-economically beneficial projects are strategically aimed at building the Philippines’ capacity to monitor and safeguard its maritime zones. JICA is significant in securing dimensions of strategic interests; as it is associated with the execution and working of these development ventures, engaging Java to meet its objectives.
Training and Militaryliaison
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have stepped up their collaboration with Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). They conduct regular joint exercises and training programs to maintain interoperability and readiness. In March 2024 both held bilateral naval exercises in the South China Sea, focusing on anti-submarine warfare and maritime interdiction operations.
Japan has also given the Philippines equipment like radar as well as patrol vessels. These are their contributions to this bigger Japanese puzzle of supporting regional partners in maritime safety and the deterrence of aggressive actions.
Sharing of Intelligence and Strategic Dialogues
The most important role Japan plays is intelligence sharing. Japan and the Philippines have set up consultations, dialogues on strategic matters and bilateral agreements to share regional updates of maritime activities. Intelligence cooperation of this sort enables the Philippines to know better and react more effectively in the face of such Chinese moves, in its portion of the South China Sea.
A new intelligence-sharing agreement made in 2024 involving cybersecurity and satellite surveillance further bolstered the Philippines’ early warning capabilities and edge in defense.
Rule-Based Order Advocacy
Japan has been promoting a rules-based international order, and Japan opposes actions that go against this principle. Japanese officials often mention UNCLOS and the necessity for all parties to abide by international legal rulings. This call was raised by Japan when it organized an international maritime security conference in April 2024, during which it underscored the importance of legal principles and multilateralism as a tool to address disputes.
This is in line with Japan’s main theme of the proactive contribution to peace and Japan seeks active cooperation with nations that share the same interests for not disrupting the established international rule under free and open conduct based on Universal values which ensure stability and peace in Indo-Pacific.
Community and Environmental Leaders
Japan has been active in the humanitarian and environmental fields in the region as well. The activities of China that resulted in environmental degradation had prompted Japan to lend a hand helping the Philippines in line with conservation initiatives. Another important project in 2024 is the renovation of coral reefs (in Spratly Islands), where cutting-edge techniques in Marine Biology are implemented to restore damaged ecosystems.
Japan provides humanitatarian aid to coastal communities impacted by maritime tensions, support livelihood and promote sustainable development. In the process, it seeks to address not only basic needs but also build resilience in the face of ongoing needs by virtue of maritime disputes being a continuous phenomenon with evolving complicating factors.
Regional Tensions
Increase In War Dimension
The further military activities of regional actors in the South China Sea have increased. The Chinese army, known as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), has engaged in numerous naval exercises and new military assets have been sent to the region. In April 2024, China conducted massive drills with aircraft carriers, destroyers and submarines to showcase its growing naval reach supporting access denial from key maritime lanes.
The United States has in turn increased its Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) there. The carrier strike group of the USS Ronald Reagan in May 2024 operated near the Spratly Islands assertively rather than exclusively charting an international right of passage through these water bodies challenging China’s claims.
Diplomatic Confrontations
That is becoming apparent in heated diplomatic exchanges among nations snatching for their share and feeling themselves provoked. July 2024 – Chinese and Filipino delegates traded barbs at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The Philippines accused China of aggressive behaviour and challenged its 2016 arbitral tribunal decision but China repeated its historical rights and warned outsiders against “interfering maliciously”.
These confrontations do not just involve ASEAN forums. The Philippines has been lobbying the United Nations to step up international condemnation, getting support from the United States, Japan and Australia among others.
Economic Repercussions
The continuing tensions have major economic consequences. The South China Sea is a key trade route, carrying an estimated $3.37 trillion in trade each year. Global trade flows could be disrupted by military engagement or diplomatic stasis.
China’s claims have also prevented the joint exploration of its rich energy resources. Manila also has struggled to find international partners willing to drill at Reed Bank over fears of Chinese harassment. As a result, Manila has been pushing for an intervention by its ally.
Fishermen and Marine Accidents
The fishermen in these waters are frequently on the frontlines of grievances sparked by these conflicting claims. In early half of 2024, The Philippine Coast Guard recorded 62 incidents, harassment on Chinese maritime militia to Filipino fishing vessels. Such encounters sometimes turn violent, with Chinese vessels reportedly bullying and shooing away Filipinos who are trying to fish in their traditional fishing grounds.
These events not only destabilise income but also act as triggers for more general regional geopolitical tensions. Patrols have intensified and they often face off with Chinese coast guard ships in the Philippines’ EEZ.
Environmental Impact
The South China Sea disputes: you ain’t seen nothing yet when it comes to environmental devastation China’s island-building has decimated large expanses of coral reefs that are hubs for marine biodiversity. Marine biologists meanwhile estimated in 2024 that about 80 percent of the coral in the Spratly Islands much of it ground up and used to fill in the lagoons created by dredging.
Several environmental organizations and regional governments have urged for stronger protections of those ecosystems While ASEAN Wrangles over New South China Sea Environmental Protection Framework ASEAN announced a new framework for environmental protection in the South China Sea in June 2024, but the process has been challenging due forcefully to differing national interests.
Humanitarian Concerns
The increased pressures have raised humanitarian worries, particularly for coastal places. Local populations displaced by military structures and worsening environmental conditions. Thousands of miles away in the Philippines, Chinese activity impacts coastal villages where traditionally high yields from fishing are no longer possible.
Humanitarian organizations race to provide aid and support, but the stakes are high: any further drought could push families beyond the brink. The Red Cross and other NGOs have started programs for helping the affected communities in terms of livelihood restoration and disaster preparedness.