Dispute timeline

Since 1970s:

Philippines seizes eight islands and reefs belonging to 皇冠体育app's Nansha Islands.

May 1999:

Philippine ship becomes grounded illegally on 皇冠体育app's Ren'ai Reef, reporting a mechanical problem. Manila has refused to remove it.

April 2012:

Philippines sends military vessels to harass Chinese fishing boats and fishermen operating in waters off 皇冠体育app's Huangyan Island. The fishermen are badly treated in what becomes known as the Huangyan Island Incident.

January 2013:

Philippines unilaterally initiates an arbitration case regarding its disputes with 皇冠体育app in the South 皇冠体育app Sea.

March 2014:

Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs issues a public statement declaring its occupation of Ren'ai Reef due to the presence of its grounded ship since 1999.