On April 30, the Philippines and China engaged in a maritime dispute in the South China Sea, with the Philippine Coast Guard accusing the Chinese Coast Guard of harassing and damaging a Philippine ship at Scarborough Shoal. The Philippine Coast Guard insists they were conducting legal patrols, while China has accused the Philippines of provocation and challenged its sovereignty. This incident is part of a larger pattern of conflicts in the South China Sea, exacerbated by China's installation of a floating barrier at Scarborough Shoal and its assertive actions against Philippine presence in the area. Recent months have seen escalating tensions between the two countries, despite their efforts to improve communication and manage conflicts.