The Philippines on Thursday accused China of endangering Filipino researchers in the South China Sea, saying its coast guard harassed two Philippine civilian vessels at a disputed reef on Wednesday, further raising tensions in the contested waterway. The Philippine ships BRP Datu Sanday and BRP Datu Pagbuaya were on a routine scientific mission to collect sand samples at Sandy Cay, where they encountered “dangerous maneuvers and illegal acts” from Chinese coast guard and militia ships, according to Manila’s fisheries bureau. The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment.

Basilio, K. C. L. (2025, May 23). Philippines says Chinese vessels harassed its civilian ships at Sandy Cay. BusinessWorld, p. S1/10.