Philippines: Chinese vessels approach disputed Thitu Island, Philippine marines conduct patrols.

SHOTLIST: THITU ISLAND, SOUTH CHINA SEA (MAY 3, 2026) 1. VARIOUS OF WIDE SHOT OF CHINESE COAST GUARD VESSEL SAILING NEAR DISPUTED THITU ISLAND SHORE / PHILIPPINE MARINE TROOPS PATROLLING ON SPEEDBOATTHITU ISLAND, SOUTH CHINA SEA - MAY 3: A Chinese Coast Guard ship and several militia boats were seen operating close to the disputed Thitu Island on Sunday, May 3. Philippine Marines carried out speedboat patrols to monitor the Chinese vessels gathered in waters around the island, which is locally known as Pag-asa. Thitu Island is a strategically important part of the Spratly Islands and is controlled by the Philippines. It lies only a few kilometers from Sandy Cay reef, which is also claimed by Taiwan, Vietnam, China, and the Philippines. China and the Philippines have been locked in a confrontation over the contested waters, accusing each other of causing ecological degradation of several disputed landforms in the South China Sea. Both sides have claims in the South China Sea, with Beijing asserting control over nearly the entire region.