- The Philippines initiated a transparency policy aimed at highlighting the conflict, involving ramming of ships, water cannon use, and diplomatic protests since the release of photos showing a military-grade laser China pointed at a Philippine ship in the South China Sea.
- The South China Sea, rich in oil and gas, sees about $3 trillion in trade annually.
- China, whose claims were invalidated by an international tribunal in 2016, accused Philippine vessels of illegal intrusion and warned the Philippines against misjudging the situation.
- The conflict centres on Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippine Navy maintains the BRP Sierra Madre (deliberately marooned on Second Thomas Shoal, in the Spratly Islands, since 1999,).
- Both sides have traded accusations over maritime incidents, including a recent collision near Second Thomas Shoal.
- The number of Chinese vessels around Second Thomas Shoal has increased significantly.
- Last month, the Chinese coast guard seized supplies air-dropped to Philippine troops, escalating the standoff.
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