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The South China Sea is a highly contested region, with multiple countries claiming sovereignty over various areas. One of the most disputed areas is Scarborough Shoal, a shoal located near the Philippines. Recently, the Chinese coastguard has been conducting safety training exercises in the area, which has raised concerns among neighboring countries. The Chinese coastguard has been accused of harassing and blocking Philippine vessels in the area, including a recent incident where water cannons were fired at two Philippine patrol vessels. The Philippines has condemned China's actions, calling them "illegal and irresponsible" and accusing China of violating its sovereignty. The situation in the South China Sea is increasingly tense, with the frequency of skirmishes between the Philippines and China on the rise. The United States has warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, a longtime treaty ally, if Filipino forces come under attack. The Scarborough Shoal is a key area of contention, with China insisting on its sovereignty over the region. The Philippines, on the other hand, claims the shoal is part of its Exclusive Economic Zone. The dispute has sparked fears of an armed confrontation between China and the Philippines, which could have far-reaching consequences for the region. Despite the tensions, the Philippine coastguard has vowed to continue patrolling the area, ensuring the safety of Filipino fishermen and upholding the country's rights in the region. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation in the coming days

On Thursday, May 2, 2024, the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs announced that they had summoned a senior Chinese embassy official due to the harassment of Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. The harassment included dangerous maneuvers, use of water cannons, and other aggressive actions by China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels against Filipino government vessels. The incident on April 30 resulted in damage to a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel and a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) boat near the China-controlled Scarborough Shoal. Manila demanded that Chinese vessels leave the area immediately. The Chinese embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment. This incident is part of a long history of territorial disputes between the two countries.

Philippine Coast Guard’s spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea said Wednesday, May 1, that the China Coast Guard’s use of “jet stream pressure” in their water cannons elevated tensions in the West Philippine Sea.