The Philippines and China are close to sealing a landmark Coast Guard cooperation agreement, with the text now “95 percent complete,” Chinese Ambassador to Manila Jing Quan said, signaling a possible easing of maritime tensions. The Philippine and Chinese Coast Guards have repeatedly clashed in contested waters over the past few years. Incidents have included the use of water cannons and ramming of Philippine vessels, harassment of Filipino fishermen near Scarborough Shoal, and dangerous maneuvers to block resupply missions at Second Thomas Shoal.

Talosig-Bartolome, M. (2026, March 20). PHL, China nearing Coast Guard cooperation pact. BusinessMirror, p. A16.