China Coast Guard's Provocative Actions Near Pag-asa Island Spark Tensions

China Coast Guard Harasses Philippine Vessels Near Pag-asa Island Tensions in the South China Sea flared again on May 27, 2025, when two China Coast Guard ships engaged in what the Philippines described as harassing maneuvers near Pag-asa Island. The incident, captured on video by News5, shows the Chinese vessels circling Philippine Coast Guard ships. "Two China Coast Guard ships were circling our vessels," reported Gio Robles, a News5 reporter on board one of the Philippine ships. "They were within six to eight nautical miles of us." The video shows the close proximity of the Chinese ships and the choppy waters. Robles also reported that there were several radio challenges between the Philippine Coast Guard and the Chinese Coast Guard. The Philippine government has condemned the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard, calling them a violation of Philippine sovereignty. The incident underscores the ongoing dispute over the South China Sea and the need for a peaceful resolution.