China attacked on Philippines patrolling ship BRP Datu Pagbuaya

Incidence – Recently on 12th October 2025 a Chinese coast guard ship CCG 21559 attached through high pressure water canon on a Philippines ship BRP Datu Pagbuaya whose main purpose is patrolling Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources , BFAR.

Impact – Though the ship ship BRP Datu Pagbuaya did not sink but the pressure was enough to topple the vessel. The water cannoning was done for nearly 3 minutes

The incidence occurred very near to Thitu / Pag asa island.

The above image and the video is from The Manila time -

These types of provocations are a threat to maritime security in South China Sea for other nations including Vietnam, Malaysia & Indonesia.

USA has condemned the attack as it defies it MDT, Mutual Defense Treaty it had with Philippines in 1951.

The Article 4 of the treaty states

Article IV – Mutual Defense Commitment

“Each Party recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific Area on either of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes.”

It means that if one is attacked the other party will respond.

Though its not a mandatory and auto war trigger commitment like for NATO and but means serious support.

There also other defense agreement

1. 1998 – VFA, Visiting Forces Agreement

   • Mandates a legal framework for presence of American military in Philippines and join defense drills and exercise.

2. 2002 – MLSA, Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement

3. 2014 - EDCA, Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement