The South China Sea War (Part 1 of 5)
The PRC has occupied one of the disputed islands in the South China Sea. Any civilian shipping that has come close to the island has been harassed by the PLAN (People's Liberation Army Navy). Lately, some fishing vessels from the Philippines have been attacked by PLAN warships and attacks against Philippine vessels have increased in the past few weeks. Analysts speculate that the PRC has chosen the Philippines to make an example out of due to its relatively modest military forces and possibly as a warning to Taiwan of the PRC's willingness to use military force. (Released December 2004).