China Intercepts US Ally’s Ships Near Disputed Waters

News Snapshot:

China's Coast Guard intercepted and shadowed Philippine government vessels over the weekend in an effort to block them from operating within the U.S. ally's internationally recognized maritime zone. The interaction culminated in an hours-long staredown just about 40 miles from a major Philippine island—much closer than has been typical for Chinese Coast Guard actions. Tensions are running high between Manila and Beijing, which claims most of the South China Sea as its territory, including waters within the Philippines' internationally recognized exclusive economic zone. Last month, Chinese Coast Guard ships aggressively honed in on two supply convoys en route to an...