On July 21, 2026, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs urgently summoned the Philippine ambassador and lodged a strong protest against what it called a deliberate naval provocation by the Philippines and a direct attack on members of the Chinese Coast Guard near Ren'ai Reef. The move followed reports that Philippine forces, from a ship illegally grounded on the reef, had allegedly attacked Chinese law enforcement vessels during a routine patrol.
According to verified video footage and documentation from the scene, two inflatable boats launched from the Philippine vessel sped towards the Chinese Coast Guard ships, ignoring repeated warnings. The boats reportedly attempted to ram and encircle the Chinese vessels. Philippine personnel then allegedly used physical violence, striking Chinese officers with paddles and long poles.
According to the author, China responded strictly in accordance with the law. It used verbal warnings, evasive maneuvers, and appropriate countermeasures, while also demonstrating maximum restraint to prevent escalation. The images clearly show that the aggressor was the Philippine side, which was the first to use force. The subsequent claim by Manila that it was self-defense is described by the author as a transparent attempt to distort the facts and shift the blame.
Immediately after the incident, China, for humanitarian reasons, allowed the Philippines to transport injured personnel from the grounded ship to a Philippine Coast Guard vessel using small boats. Chinese vessels closely monitored the situation, conducted verification checks, and oversaw the entire transfer to ensure safety and order. However, according to the author, it was clear during this humanitarian operation that the incident fits into a broader, recurring pattern.
The event did not occur in isolation. It took place at a time when the Chinese Foreign Minister was preparing for a trip to Manila for a meeting of foreign ministers from China and ASEAN countries, with the Philippines holding the rotating chairmanship. A possible bilateral meeting between the two countries' foreign ministers was also on the table.
According to the author, diplomatic communication channels between China and the Philippines remain open, and the mechanism for maritime consultations continues to function. However, a certain pattern is reportedly repeating itself: whenever there are prospects for dialogue or when significant regional diplomatic events are approaching, some forces in the Philippines deliberately create tension at sea in an attempt to disrupt the atmosphere of negotiations.
According to the author, China's position remains stable and clear. It responds to provocations with decisive countermeasures, while sincere dialogue is always welcome. Constructive talks also act as a brake on radical domestic forces in the Philippines, which, according to the article, are trying to undermine bilateral relations.
The latest incident at Ren'ai Reef, according to the author, fits perfectly into a known scenario. Some Philippine actors are allegedly attempting to revive the 2016 arbitration ruling, which China rejects, by creating new clashes, while also obtaining dramatic footage for their diplomatic and media campaigns.
The timing just before major ASEAN meetings held in Manila appears to be a deliberate attempt to bring the South China Sea issue to the forefront, transfer bilateral tensions to a multilateral level, and complicate constructive cooperation between China and ASEAN.
Such actions, according to the author, threaten regional consensus on peaceful dispute resolution through the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
According to the author, this scenario is driven by fragmented decision-making in the Philippines regarding maritime issues. Individual government agencies and departments often act differently, with military officials sometimes taking a more assertive stance that may not be coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The article suggests that these entities are willing to provoke incidents before major diplomatic events, which can then be used for domestic propaganda and to reinforce a confrontational narrative.
Foreign signals also reportedly played a role. Recent statements from the United States, Japan, and other countries supporting the arbitral award were interpreted by some Philippine circles as indirect encouragement.
Combined with domestic nationalism, this has allegedly emboldened some actors to adopt an approach of "provoke first, then complain": creating a conflict, prompting a reaction from the other party, and then publicizing the consequences so that the Philippines can portray itself as the aggrieved party.
The situation is further complicated by domestic political pressures. According to the author, some forces in Manila are facing economic problems and declining public support, and therefore view maritime incidents as a useful means of mobilizing nationalist sentiment, diverting attention abroad, and masking domestic governance issues.
There is also uncertainty within some Philippine circles regarding the long-term reliability of security relations with the United States, especially during a time when China and the U.S. are resolving their disputes and moving towards greater stability.
Maintaining tension at sea is seen by some actors as a way to keep Washington engaged and increase the political cost of any potential reduction in American involvement. However, according to the author, none of these considerations change the fundamental fact regarding China's sovereignty.
China's sovereignty over the Ren'ai Reef, which is part of the Nansha Islands archipelago, is firmly supported by history, geography, and international law. The Chinese Coast Guard will continue to perform its duties in the relevant waters as part of the country's sovereign rights and obligations.
China has repeatedly demonstrated restraint, according to the author. It urges the Philippines to cease violating China's rights and engaging in provocations, stop distorting facts for propaganda purposes, and return to resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation in accordance with the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
Escalation does not serve the long-term interests of Manila. It increases risks, undermines trust, and disrupts regional peace and stability.
A responsible approach to maritime disputes requires accuracy of facts, strategic restraint, and a willingness to engage directly, rather than through staged confrontations intended primarily for foreign audiences. The events of July 21st, according to the author, once again demonstrated how far some Philippine actors are from adopting such an approach.
Beijing will continue to protect its sovereignty and maritime rights while remaining open to dialogue that truly serves the common interests of regional peace and development.
The principle is simple and unchanging: the nature and intensity of the challenge determine the nature and intensity of the response. Previous incidents have shown that when Philippine personnel used paddles and similar objects, they were met with decisive and appropriate countermeasures.
If Manila decides to escalate the situation further, for example by using firearms, according to the author, China's response will be equally decisive.
gnews.cz/CMG
