In the hotly contested South China Sea, tensions are escalating between China and the Philippines. Chinese state media issued a stern warning to the Philippines, a long-standing ally of the United States, cautioning that the country will endure "losses" as the situation intensifies.

The escalation occurred last Saturday when the Philippine supply boat, Unaizah May 4, was met with an attempted blockade and water cannon attacks by China. The boat, accompanied by coast guard escorts, was ferrying supplies and rotating marines to Second Thomas Shoal, a strategically significant location within the Spratly Islands archipelago. Manila reported that the water cannon attacks disabled the supply boat and resulted in multiple injuries to those on board.

China claims sovereignty over Second Thomas Shoal, as well as the majority of the South China Sea, despite the fact that the feature lies within the Philippines' internationally recognized exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and more than 600 miles away from China's shores.

In an editorial published by the Global Times, a nationalistic English-language tabloid affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party, China's actions were defended as "reasonable, legal, and necessary to defend its rights." These sentiments were echoed by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson, Wu Qian, who emphasized that China's coast guard followed regulations and resolutely countered Philippine attempts to infringe on Chinese rights.

The Global Times, while not always reflecting official policy in China, contended that the Philippines was playing the victim card in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s statement on social media, where he vowed to introduce countermeasures against China's "dangerous attacks." The tabloid criticized Manila for its perceived provocative and risky behavior, attributing it to the United States' support, which it claimed had fueled the Philippines' resistance against a stronger opponent.

The United States Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary, Lloyd Austin, reaffirmed the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty during a phone call with his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro. The DOD emphasized that the treaty extends to anywhere in the Pacific, including the South China Sea. Nonetheless, the Global Times dismissed U.S. promises as "grand but cheap," warning that if conflict were to arise, it would be the Philippines that would suffer losses.

When asked about the possibility of providing naval or coast guard escorts to the Philippines, a DOD spokesperson stated that while they do not comment on future operations, the U.S. stands firmly with its oldest ally and is committed to maintaining deterrence, peace, and stability alongside its allies and partners.

Blaming the Philippines for the strained relations, the Chinese newspaper emphasized the need for restraint and rationality from all parties involved. It stated that China had exercised patience and called for the Philippines to carefully consider its path forward.

As tensions continue to simmer in the South China Sea, Newsweek sought comments from the Chinese embassy, foreign ministry, the Philippines' foreign ministry, and the U.S. Department of Defense. No official response has been received at this time.

UPDATE: The article has been updated to include a comment from the U.S. Department of Defense.

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