Tensions rise as Chinese coast guard ship narrowly avoids collision with Philippine vessel in South China Sea

The Philippines has strongly condemned a Chinese coast guard ship for nearly colliding with a Philippine patrol ship in the South China Sea. The incident occurred near Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed territory claimed by both countries. The Chinese ship's maneuvers, along with the blockade of another Philippine coast guard vessel, have raised concerns of a potential larger crisis in the region. The United States, a treaty ally of the Philippines, has vowed to defend the country if it comes under armed attack. The incident highlights the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, which involve multiple countries and have become a delicate fault line in U.S.-China rivalry.