Under Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the relationship between Manila and Beijing has soured. Manila is now turning back to the United States for support in its maritime disputes against China.

This timeline shows the key events that occurred this year and in previous years which have heightened tensions between China and the Philippines:

2024 JAN 3: Philippines and U.S. conduct second joint patrol of South China Sea. China also conducts similar air and naval drills. Manila accuses the Chinese Coast Guard of "reckless actions" that caused collision between their vessels at Second Thomas Shoal. Beijing claims Philippine vessels invaded. JUN 17: A Philippine sailor suffers an injury to his finger after a ramming by the Chinese Coast Guard near Second Thomas Shoal. China denies this. JUL 8: Philippines and Japan sign a landmark military agreement allowing troops to be deployed on the other's territory. Manila and Beijing reach agreement on a "provisional supply arrangement" for the Second Thomas Shoal. Philippines and Japan conduct their first joint military exercises in the South China Sea on AUG 2. AUG 9: Philippines and Vietnam hold their first joint coastguard exercise.

AUG 10: The Philippines claims that Chinese jets have dropped flares near their patrol aircraft above Scarborough Shoal. AUG 31: Manila and Beijing exchange accusations about the fifth ramming near Sabina Shoal. SEP 28: Philippines participates in maritime exercises with Australia, Japan and the U.S., while China has separate drills. OCT 11: Manila claims a Chinese militia boat side-swiped a fisheries vessel off Thitu Island. NOV 8: Philippines passes maritime law defining sea routes and zones; Beijing protests.

JAN 6 – Philippines

deploys ships, aircraft

Monitor China's largest Coast Guard vessel in Exclusive Economic Zone

FEB 18: Manila accuses the Chinese navy of a

dangerous flyby

Beijing disputes near Scarborough Shoal

28 MAR - China

Two H-6 Bombers are deployed

Satellite images reveal the Scarborough Shoal.

APR 28 – Manila

denies reports

China seized Sandy Cay reef.

May 5 - Philippines challenges Chinese ship over conduct

Illegal marine survey

off Ilocos coast.

JUL 18 – China

lodges protest

Over the Philippines' "negative actions" towards Taiwan as well as maritime issues and security.

AUG 4: Philippine and Indian navies

Sail together

First time in South China Sea

AUG 12: Manila condemns Chinese "dangerous maneuvers" on Scarborough Shoal, saying it led to

Chinese ship collision

AUG 13: China claims it has driven away refugees

U.S. destroyer

The U.S. Navy claims that its actions were in accordance with international law.

SEP 10: China approves the creation of a

National Nature Reserve

Scarborough Shoal.

SEP 16 – Chinese Coast Guard

Fires Water Cannon

At Philippine Ships Near Scarborough Shoal, Philippines accuses Beijing "aggressive action" that injured one individual.

OCT 12: Manila accuses the Chinese Coast Guard

Water cannons that ram and fire

Philippine fishing vessels near Thitu Island, occupied by the Philippines

(source: Reuters)