Philippines says Chinese coast guard used water cannons against its vessels for 2nd day
PBS NewsHourDEC 2023
South China Sea: Maritime Tensions Rise Between PRC, Philippines
Image copyright: Jes Aznar/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
The Philippines' maritime territorial rights are recognized by almost the entire world — except China. The PRC must know that the world is watching and find a peaceful solution to the dispute. Beijing must follow the norms of the rules-based international order and respect maritime security in the South China Sea.
Pro-China narrative
Even Western historians have long acknowledged China's historic activity in the South China Sea. China's claims to sovereignty over territories in the region are based on these historical facts — something even Japanese official maps have often shown. Therefore, the Philippines' raising of disputes over this and its aggressive actions are groundless and will be strongly confronted. Western hegemony is creating instability in the region.