Video Shows Chinese 'Militia' Ship Near US Ally's Disputed Territory

Newsweek

3 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A Chinese vessel briefly ran aground near a Philippine-held island in the South China Sea Saturday, Manila says.
The ship, suspected to be part of China's controversial Maritime Militia, was captured in a video made public by the Philippine coast guard.
Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry by email with a request for comment.
Why It Matters
China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, citing "historical rights," putting it at odds with several neighbors, including the Philippines. The U.S. defense treaty ally has been pushing back against Chinese activities within its maritime zone, resulting in sometimes tense confrontations.
Beijing maintains the so-called Maritime Militia are no more than patriotic fishermen, but analysts have described them as a key tool in China's push for greater control over the strategic waterway, through which more than $3 trillion in trade is estimated to pass each year.
These vessels have been observed occupying disputed waters for weeks on end, without appearing to engage in fishing operations.
Manila says this ship, suspected of belonging to China's so-called Maritime Militia, briefly ran aground at a sandbar near Thitu Island in the South China Sea's Spratly Islands on June 7, 2025.
Manila says this ship, suspected of belonging to China's so-called Maritime Militia, briefly ran aground at a sandbar near Thitu Island in the South China Sea's Spratly Islands on June 7, 2025.
Philippine Coast Guard
What To Know
The suspected Maritime Militia vessel ran aground on one of several sandbars that make up the feature known as Sandy Cay, Philippine coast guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela said Monday in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The ship had likely been driven into the shallows by adverse conditions, which at the time included strong winds and waves of 2 to 3 meters (6.6 to 9.8 feet).
The vessel did not respond to inquiries broadcast by coast guard personnel stationed at Thitu Island, located just about one mile away. A Chinese coast guard cutter was observed communicating with the stranded vessel from nearby, though it did not approach—apparently concerned it too might run aground, Tarriela wrote.
The ship managed to free itself after about three hours, the spokesperson said.
The largest of the Philippine-controlled Spratly Islands, Thitu is one of the most fiercely contested features of Manila's territorial dispute with Beijing, and the only one with a permanent civilian population.
It also hosts a military garrison and airstrip, which was recently extended as the Philippines seeks to reinforce its presence in the area amid tensions with its more powerful neighbor, China.
What People Are Saying
Philippine Secretary of Defense Gilberto Teodoro previously told Newsweek: "I believe China will continue its path because behind all of this is a political motive, and that's really clear.
"To us right now there is only one rational reason why [for] a country with a leadership structure such as China—that is to extend to the sphere of influence of dynastic politics of whatever nature."
Ma Bo, associate professor at the School of International Studies at Nanjing University, saidMonday in Chinese state media outlet the Global Times: "The South China Sea situation is becoming increasingly complex, and it is evident that the U.S. government is attempting to position the Philippines as its strategic proxy in Southeast Asia…
"It increases the risk of the Philippines being drawn into regional conflicts and undermines its long-term prospects for economic development and regional cooperation."
The Philippine Navy said Tuesday it had monitored 41 Chinese navy warships and coast guard cutters within waters claimed by the Philippines in May. Among these were four coast guard ships and four warships near Thitu Island.
What's Next
The Philippine coast guard will carry out an assessment at Sandy Cay for potential reef damage "caused by the unlawful presence of the Chinese Maritime Militia in the Philippines' territorial waters," Tariela said.