On June 17, a tense and violent confrontation broke out between the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Bajo Ayungin. According to an AFP spokesperson, the incident began when the CCG obstructed AFP humanitarian rotation and resupply operations to the BRP Sierra Madre (LS57). The Chinese used physical assaults, blinding strobe lights, bladed weapons and deafening sirens in their aggressive move.
Detailed background
Despite the overwhelming disadvantages, the Filipino troops bravely defended their position. The CCG’s harassment intensified when they tied ropes to tow the AFP’s Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), while threatening to injure a Filipino soldier with a pickaxe. The continuous sirens disrupted communication and created chaos. CCG personnel invaded the AFP RHIBs, brandishing sharp weapons, throwing stones and cutting the boats to render them inoperable. Adding more intimidation, a Chinese military aircraft was flying over the area.
The confrontation culminated in a dramatic confrontation where the Filipino soldiers, using their bare hands, repelled the Chinese personnel armed with swords, spears and knives. General Romeo Brawner of the Philippines described the incident as an act of “piracy,” with the Chinese ramming Philippine boats, confiscating weapons and inflicting injuries, including the loss of a thumb by a Filipino soldier.
Hybrid warfare tactics
This confrontation is not an isolated case, but a component of a broader strategy by China to assert both overt and covert control over the South China Sea (SCM). By deploying maritime militias and dual-purpose vessels, Beijing exemplifies advanced gray zone tactics. The People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia (PAFMM), which disguises itself as civilian fishing boats, operates in conjunction with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG), exerting Chinese influence in disputed waters .
China’s hybrid warfare techniques blur the distinction between civil and military operations, complicating international efforts to respond effectively. The strategic use of these vessels in disputed regions allows Beijing to maintain plausible deniability while forcefully pushing its territorial claims. Incidents such as those that occurred in Bajo de Ayungin underline the role of the PAFMM in China’s stealthy but assertive maneuvers.
influence erosion
China’s relentless pursuit of hegemony in the MCM is beginning to backfire. According to Western analysts, the aggressive tactics employed by Beijing have provoked a regional and international reaction, undermining its influence in the region. Commander Jonathan Dorsey, a United States Navy (USN) Fellow at the Stimson Center, writes in his article for 9DashLine that neighboring nations are increasingly united against China’s coercive tactics and are aligning around a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
China’s excessive territorial claims, reinforced by the construction of artificial islands and the expansion of its naval fleet, have alienated its neighbors. The release of the new 10-line “standard map” has reinforced their claims, but the tide is turning. Concerned about harassment from Beijing, countries in the region are finding common cause to resist against the revisionist power.
International and regional reactions
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has warned that any deaths of Filipinos due to China’s actions would be seen as close to “an act of war.” Despite this, the Philippines seeks to prevent the situation from escalating into a full-scale conflict. The United States, a key ally, has condemned China’s actions and reiterated its commitment to the 1951 mutual defense treaty with the Philippines.
China’s coercive tactics have targeted not only its MCM neighbors but also countries perceived as impediments to its regional domination. The United States Navy (USN), the Japanese Self-Defense Force and Canada have faced dangerous encounters with Chinese vessels. Kelly Grieco, an international relations expert, notes that the prospects of building a regional coalition to counter Chinese aggression are greater in the MCM than in the Taiwan Strait due to the direct impact on national security interests.
Resisting Beijing
Militarily outmatched, China’s neighbors in the MCM have developed successful counterattack tactics through increased public awareness, maritime security commitments, and additional defense investments. Countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines have publicized the aggressive actions of Chinese vessels, attracting international scrutiny and support.
The Philippines has increased the number of exercises and maneuvers with like-minded neighbors, while Vietnam has sought maritime cooperation on issues such as unplanned encounters and illegal fishing. Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia have renewed coordinated patrols to combat piracy and terrorism. These efforts bolster confidence and resilience against Beijing’s bullying.
Strengthening regional security
Investment in maritime security is crucial to protect civilian vessels, control resources within exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and maintain territorial claims. Japan is providing security assistance to the Philippines, Indonesia is negotiating new patrol vessel purchases with Italy, and the Philippines and Vietnam are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on maritime cooperation.
U.S.-led efforts, including integrated deterrence and increased presence, are critical to fostering cooperative security in the MCM. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) presence and capabilities are making progress across the region, supporting maritime security practices and improving interregional collaboration.
China’s aggressive tactics in the South China Sea are backfiring as regional nations, supported by international allies, face coercion from Beijing. The latest confrontation with the Philippines underlines the high tension and the potential for further escalations. As Southeast Asian states discover methods to counter China’s dominance in the MCM, Beijing could be forced to reconsider its multi-front coercion campaign.
Increasing pressure from regional and international actors highlights the need for a rules-based order in the maritime domain. Persistent engagement, increased maritime security training and enhanced inter-regional collaboration are vital to ensuring peace and stability in the South China Sea. The international community must remain vigilant and united to counter Beijing’s aggressive tactics and defend the sovereignty of nations in the region.
Note: this is an article republished from the media “Financial Express” through a cooperation agreement between both parties for the dissemination of journalistic content. original link.
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