The Philippines submitted an official nautical chart to the United Nations asserting its claim to Scarborough Shoal—known as Huangyan Island in China, Minzhu Reef in Taiwan, and Panatag Shoal in the Philippines—defining its 12‑nautical‑mile territorial sea and 24‑nautical‑mile contiguous zone.
The Philippines officially presented its partial submission on its extended continental shelf to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf on July 28, demonstrating its commitment to the UN Charter and UNCLOS for a peaceful South China Sea.
A Chinese destroyer was reportedly observed by a commercial drone 105km northwest of Luzon, Philippines. The incident highlights the use of relatively inexpensive commercial platforms for surveillance, with the drone's commissioning entity and mission remaining undisclosed.
The Philippines and Ukraine are exploring a "Drone Deal" framework, with initial discussions held in Kyiv between Ukrainian presidential aide Ihor Zhovkva and Philippine Undersecretary of National Defence Salvador Mison. The potential agreement aims to deepen defense ties through drone co-production, technology exchange, and cybersecurity cooperation.
China, through an article published under the pen name Jun Sheng, issued a stern warning against forces seeking to stir up trouble in the South China Sea, stating it has "rich and powerful" options to safeguard peace and stability and will respond resolutely to any malicious attempts against its interests.
The Chinese military's Southern Theatre Command conducted joint naval and air drills near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, citing a response to actions by certain countries undermining regional peace and stability. The exercise aimed to test combat capabilities and safeguard China's territorial sovereignty.
The US supports arbitral tribunals like the one invalidating China's South China Sea claims under UNCLOS but rejects the ICC, highlighting a paradox in its approach to international law.
An orange typhoon alert was issued for the South China Sea as a storm moves northwest, expected to land between Hong Kong and Lufeng with strong winds (up to 151km/h) and heavy rain, affecting Guangdong, Fujian, and Taiwan.
A Vietnamese cargo ship, Khoi Nguyen 18, sank in the South China Sea near Yongshu Reef, leaving 17 crew members missing. Of the 62 on board, 45 were rescued. The incident occurred amid bad weather, with Chinese and Vietnamese vessels involved in the search.
A Vietnamese vessel sank in bad weather; 45 survivors rescued with Chinese assistance via ships and helicopters, search ongoing for others.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian, Chinese, and Australian foreign ministers in Manila, discussing efforts to end the Ukraine war, escalating conflict with Iran, and rising tensions in the South China Sea, emphasizing the need for new diplomatic ideas.
The China Coast Guard used water cannons and dangerous maneuvers against multiple Philippine vessels near Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal) on July 24, leading to a standoff between 10 Philippine and 15 Chinese ships.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned the Philippines of “bitter consequences” for seeking outside backing in the South China Sea dispute. This warning was followed by China's coastguard expelling two Philippine government vessels near Scarborough Shoal, citing ignored warnings and entry into Chinese-claimed waters.
Secretary Rubio will meet Lavrov in Manila to discuss the Ukraine war and potential cooperation. He also discussed a South China Sea incident with China's Wang Yi, while ASEAN ministers negotiate a non-aggression pact.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned his Philippine counterpart, Theresa Lazaro, that Manila would face "bitter consequences" if it provoked Beijing with external help, lodging a protest over a recent ramming incident at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Manila to manage bilateral tensions ahead of a Trump-Xi summit. Discussions covered China's South China Sea conduct, US war against Iran, and US election meddling claims, with Rubio reiterating US defense treaty obligations to the Philippines after a recent maritime incident.
Top Chinese and American diplomats, Wang Yi and Daniel Kritenbrink, met in the Philippines to discuss President Xi Jinping's planned US trip and the South China Sea dispute. Wang described the meeting as "pragmatic, positive and constructive," urging "strategic stability" and "peaceful coexistence" despite acknowledged differences.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confronted Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at an ASEAN meeting regarding Beijing's "destabilising" missile test in the South Pacific and "dangerous conduct" in the South China Sea. Wang urged Australia to avoid "double standards," while the Philippines also lodged a strong protest over maritime incidents.
China's Foreign Ministry urged Australia to cease "exaggerating tensions" in the South China Sea after Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned Beijing's "destabilising" conduct. This follows a physical confrontation between Chinese and Philippine vessels near Second Thomas Shoal, injuring a Filipino sailor, amidst the ASEAN meeting in Manila.
Philippine Foreign Minister Maria Theresa Lazaro and Chinese diplomat Wang held "candid, comprehensive and constructive" talks at the ASEAN meeting, discussing maritime disputes, security, trade, and regional stability, with Lazaro reiterating Manila's protest over China Coast Guard actions near Second Thomas Shoal.
An analysis in the Pacific Journal recommends Beijing strengthen inter-agency coordination and build credible deterrence to protect its maritime rights along the first island chain, which spans from the Kuril Islands to Borneo, including Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
EU foreign ministers approved a position paper labeling China a "critical long-term strategic challenge," accusing Beijing of amplifying security threats and enabling Russia's invasion of Ukraine, despite a prior "de-risking" policy and ongoing trade partnership. This new stance will shape future EU policy on investment and trade.
Sailors from the Chinese and Philippine navies clashed with oars and batons near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, resulting in a head injury to a Filipino sailor. Both nations summoned each other's ambassadors, while the US and Australia condemned China's actions.
Chinese capital has continued to support Filipino private businesses, providing nearly $9 billion in loans over two decades, including a $3.9 billion syndicated loan to Dito Telecommunity in 2023, despite geopolitical friction.
