On 17th June 2024, the Philippines and Chinese Coast Guards clashed at sea, armed with knives and axes - the most aggressive and potentially dangerous confrontation between nations in the South China sea in recent times.

With tensions running high, many question if the USA will step in, and whether the Philippines will invoke the mutual defense treaty it has with America.

With exclusive access, the award-winning When Titans Clash series returns to investigate this superpower struggle which could have consequences across the world. As confrontations with China increase in frequency, the Philippines has deepened its partnership with Australia, India and Japan. On 8th July 2024, Japan and the Philippines signed the reciprocal access agreement, which is a landmark defence deal that allows both nations to hold joint military drills in each other’s territories.

Why have there been so many clashes between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea in the last two years? And how are countries like the US, Japan and Australia related to the South China Sea conflict?