China Deploys 46 Ships Against 4 Philippine Vessels at Second Thomas

In the most dramatic escalation at Second Thomas Shoal to that date, China deployed 46 ships against 4 Philippine vessels during a resupply mission on December 10. Water cannons disabled one Philippine supply ship's engines; a CCG vessel collided with a supply ship that had the AFP Chief of Staff aboard. Both sides accused each other of deliberate ramming. China characterized the Philippine presence as illegal; the Philippines filed protests and the US condemned the 'dangerous actions.'