The Philippines has announced the suspension of a scientific survey in the South China Sea after its fisheries vessels faced aggressive harassment from Chinese coast guard and navy forces. This decision follows a series of escalating confrontations in the disputed waters that have seen China assert claims over the strategic maritime area, which plays a crucial role in global trade.

According to reports from the South China Morning Post, Philippine fisheries vessels encountered "aggressive manoeuvres" conducted by three Chinese coast guard vessels while attempting to collect sand samples near Sandy Cay, close to the Philippines-occupied Thitu Island. The Philippine Coast Guard indicated that a Chinese navy helicopter even flew at an "unsafe altitude" over these crafts during the incident.

Further details provided by the Associated Press noted that the harassment forced the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries to abort the survey operation due to safety concerns. A spokesperson for the coast guard stated that such "dangerous harassment" has resulted in the suspension of the operations.

China's coast guard claimed that the Philippine vessels trespassed into waters it considers its own and insisted that their actions to drive the ships away were legal. In a statement, the Reuters reported that Chinese authorities affirmed their "indisputable sovereignty" over the Spratly Islands, including the area where the survey was taking place.

The recent tensions reflect a long-standing conflict between the two nations over territorial claims in a region that sees approximately $3 trillion in trade annually. Despite these ongoing confrontations, both countries agreed to negotiate and seek diplomatic solutions during talks held on January 16, 2025. However, this latest incident underscores the fragility of maritime relations, as both sides assert their rights in these contested waters.

Video footage from the Philippine Coast Guard highlighted the aggressive maneuvers of Chinese vessels, which included sailing dangerously close to their own ships. This has triggered alarm within the Philippine government, which has raised concerns over China's activities within Philippine waters.

The situation remains tense as the international community continues to monitor developments in the South China Sea, with both nations expressing their respective claims over the disputed areas. Recent discussions have also engaged the U.S., with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirming commitments to support the Philippines amid rising Chinese aggression in these waters.

For continuous updates on the situation, more information can be found in the original articles from the Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.