Key facts
- Chinese Coast Guard ships used water cannons against Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal.
- Dangerous maneuvers were conducted by Chinese ships against Philippine vessels.
- The incidents occurred hours after diplomats from China and the Philippines met.
- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is seeking to improve relations with China.
- Both Beijing and Manila are trading blame for the ongoing clashes.
Chinese Coast Guard ships again used water cannons and engaged in dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, escalating tensions in the South China Sea. The incidents occurred just hours after diplomats from both nations met to discuss resetting strained bilateral relations.