Near collision, tense encounter as Beijing flexes muscles in the South China Sea

News Snapshot:

[1/5] A Chinese maritime militia vessel is seen sailing in the South China Sea, October 4, 2023. REUTERS/Adrian Portugal/File photo Acquire Licensing Rights NEAR THE SECOND THOMAS SHOAL, South China Sea, Oct 6 (Reuters) - The crew of the Philippine coastguard boat watch anxiously as an imposing Chinese vessel draws near and cuts off its path, coming within a metre of collision in a vast stretch of open water in the South China Sea. The captain of the BRP Sindangan shuts off the engine and activates the reverse throttle. China's coastguard issues a warning via megaphone to leave as the...