Over the past three years, the Philippines has faced escalating confrontations with China in the West Philippine Sea, involving incidents like laser attacks, water cannon assaults, and physical clashes.

The Marcos administration shifted from the previous appeasement policy toward China, emphasizing sovereignty over the South China Sea based on the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Key incidents include a 2023 laser attack on the BRP Malapascua, which caused temporary blindness to crew members, and a 2023 water cannon attack on the BRP Sierra Madre.

China has consistently denied aggression, blaming the Philippines for encroachment, while the Philippines cites video evidence of 'gray zone' attacks.

Tensions intensified in 2024 with reports of Chinese vessels using bolos and ramming Philippine ships, and in 2025, a water cannon attack damaged a fisheries vessel.Over 200 diplomatic protests have been lodged, but harassment by Chinese coast guard and militia vessels continues, affecting Filipino fishermen.The conflict highlights ongoing disputes over maritime boundaries and sovereignty in the South China Sea.