Philippines-China Clash Near Disputed Scarborough Shoal, Taiwan President Visits US territory

The Philippines and China exchanged accusations after a confrontation near Scarborough Shoal, where Manila claimed China’s Coast Guard fired water cannons and “sideswiped” a Philippine vessel. The Chinese side denied this, asserting that Philippine ships came too close and acted provocatively. The incident is part of ongoing tensions since China seized the shoal in 2012. Meanwhile, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te continued his Pacific tour, visiting Guam and reinforcing international ties, drawing China’s criticism as Beijing opposed Taiwan’s diplomacy. n18oc_world n18oc_crux