Description: Chinese coast – guard ship was identified to have breached Philippines exclusive economic zone which was perceived as intimidation and escalating activity by Philippines officials. China claimed the ship was conducting an exercise which was fully legal and reasonable. Tensions have escalated between the Philippines, a staunch US ally and China over the past couple of years due to the disputed and overlapping claims in the South China Sea.
Impact: The South China Sea as one of the world’s most important trade routes evidently could raise to become one of the major security risks in the Indo – Pacific region. The Philippines could bank on US support in case of growing tensions while China is expected to continue boasting maritime dominance over Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and the Philippines as they consider the disputed territory under ownership.