China claims to chase away US Warship in tense South China Sea standoff, could India play a key role?

China says it drove off USS Higgins near disputed Scarborough Shoal, calling it a sovereignty violation. US insists operation upheld navigation rights. Clash follows Philippines’ accusations against China. Strategic waterway sees rising tensions as $3 trillion trade route becomes geopolitical flashpoint.

Beijing: China's military leadership said on Wednesday that it had "monitored and chased away" a US Navy warship, the USS Higgins, from near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The area is disputed, claimed by China but also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, and other countries.

The US Navy described the action as "justified according to international law" and said it was part of "freedom of navigation." "The US has the right to operate anywhere under international law, and China's threats cannot deter us," it said.

China's confrontation with the Philippines

The incident came just a day after the Philippines accused China of "dangerous activities and illegal interference" with a Philippines supply mission near Scarborough Shoal. The Philippines also reported that there was a collision between Chinese ships, which is the first time in this region.

China's stance

China said that the US ship entered its territory "without permission," which is a "violation of China's sovereignty." China claims that it has its rights over the entire South China Sea, although in 2016 an international tribunal declared this claim illegal. But China does not accept this decision.

How is India helping Philippines?

India is supporting the Philippines in the Scarborough Shoal dispute through:

• Military Sales: Supplying BrahMos missiles (a key deterrent against Chinese aggression) and exploring more defense deals.
• Strategic Backing: Openly endorsing the 2016 Hague ruling that rejected China’s claims, unlike many ASEAN nations.
• Naval Cooperation: Conducting joint exercises (like ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise) and increasing warship visits to strengthen Manila’s maritime security.
• Coast Guard Support: Enhancing patrol capabilities through training and possible Indian-made vessels.
• Diplomatic Alignment: Pushing for a free and open Indo-Pacific, countering Beijing’s dominance in the South China Sea.

India’s help is strategic, not confrontational, focusing on strengthening Manila’s defenses and global legitimacy.

America's role

The US regularly conducts "freedom of navigation" operations in the South China Sea to challenge unnecessary restrictions imposed by China. This region is important from a commercial and military point of view**, as $3 trillion of annual trade takes place through here.

Who controls Scarborough Shoal: China or Phillippines

Scarborough, thoroughly uninhabited, has been controlled by China since 2012 with an almost constant coast guard presence in nearby waters. However, the atoll lies within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, but being an intimidator and expansionist, China rejects these claims.

This clash between China and the US shows that tension remains in the South China Sea. The US is challenging China's expansionist stance, while China is adamant on its claims. There may be more military clashes in this region in the coming times.