A Philippine fishing vessel was harassed by Chinese navy and coast guard ships near the disputed Scarborough Shoal on Monday, underscoring rising tensions in the South China Sea as Beijing asserts tighter control over contested waters. A People’s Liberation Army Navy ship with bow number 621 and a China Coast Guard vessel approached the fishing boat at close range, within 30 meters, while blaring sirens in an apparent attempt to block its route toward fishing grounds west of the shoal, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said in a statement on Tuesday. The boat’s captain diverted southeast to avoid the ships but reported being closely trailed by the China Coast Guard vessel.

Basilio, K. C. L., & Halili, A. H. (2026, January 14). Philippines: Chinese ships harassed fishing boat near Scarborough Shoal. BusinessWorld, p. S1/10.