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The dispute over the South China Sea has deep historical and strategic roots. China claims most of the area based on the "Nine-Dash Line," asserting sovereignty over extensive maritime territories that the Philippines rejects, citing international legal rulings. In 2016, an international tribunal invalidated China's claims, yet Beijing remained non-compliant, heightening tensions. Over the past two years, numerous confrontations have occurred at sites like Second Thomas Shoal, home to the Philippine-constructed ship Sierra Madre, intentionally grounded in 1999 to bolster claims in the disputed area.