Chinese maritime forces aggressively pursued Filipino civilian vessels

The claim that Chinese maritime forces aggressively pursued Filipino civilian vessels is supported by multiple reports of incidents in the South China Sea. In late August 2025, Chinese vessels, including those from the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), Coast Guard (CCG), and China Maritime Militia (CMM), were involved in aggressive maneuvers against Philippine civilian and government vessels. These incidents included blocking passage, ramming, and using water cannons against Philippine ships on humanitarian missions, as reported by the Atlantic Council. Additionally, a Chinese Navy helicopter intercepted a Philippine civilian aircraft in a hazardous manner, as detailed by USNI News. These actions are part of a broader pattern of Chinese aggression in the region, which has been a point of contention between China and the Philippines, especially given the disputed territorial claims in the South China Sea. The situation is further complicated by China's assertion of its '10-dash line' territorial claims, which are not recognized internationally, as highlighted in the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines. The ongoing tensions underscore the strategic importance of the region and the need for international cooperation to ensure maritime security and uphold international law.