China Lodges Protest with Philippines After Latest Clash Near Second Thomas Shoal The latest confrontation between Chinese and Filipino forces near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal is just the latest chapter in an ongoing saga of aggression and provocation by Beijing in the South China Sea.
While China's actions have been consistent with its long term goals of asserting dominance over the region, the Philippine government's response has been curiously muted.
On Monday, a Chinese coastguard vessel and two Philippine Navy rubber dinghies clashed near the disputed shoal.