China & Philippines Accuse Each Other Of Dangerous Vessel Collision In South China Sea

The Philippines and China accused each other of colliding vessels and engaging in dangerous maneuvers in the disputed South China Sea, damaging two vessels. The incident occurred weeks after the two countries agreed to resolve their maritime issues.

According to the Chinese Coast Guard, a Philippine vessel intentionally collided with a Chinese ship in an unprofessional and dangerous way near Sabina Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, which both countries claim.

The Philippines immediately objected to the accusation, accusing China of imposing its version of facts.

The Philippine National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea reported that two of its coast guard vessels, BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño, encountered unlawful and aggressive actions by Chinese ships while en route to resupply personnel stationed on Patag and Lawak islands.

The collision caused major structural damage to Philippine ships. At 3:24 a.m., the Cape Engaño was hit, sustaining a 5-inch-wide hole on its deck.

Another Chinese vessel rammed the Bagacay again, damaging its auxiliary room and creating a 3-foot-wide hole. Despite these damages, the Philippine ships continued to supply personnel on the islands.

China Coast Guard said two Philippine Coast Guard vessels “illegally intruded” into waters adjacent to Xianbin Jiao in Nansha Qundao without permission on August 19.

At 3:24am, one of the Philippine vessels ignored repeated warnings and deliberately collided with a Chinese… pic.twitter.com/GDOxt5fnGW

— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) August 19, 2024

Video Credits: Shanghai Daily/X

In response, Mao Ning, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, stated that the country will continue to take resolute and forceful measures to protect its territorial sovereignty.

The Chinese Coast Guard also released a video showcasing the Philippine vessel intentionally ramming a Chinese ship. However, the Philippines dismisses these claims as misleading.

The United States criticized China’s actions, with Mary Kay Carlson, the US Ambassador to Manila, expressing solidarity with the Philippines and criticizing the Chinese Coast Guard’s dangerous actions.

The incident is another flashpoint in the increasingly tense relationship between the two countries over the resource-rich South China Sea, where Beijing claims extensive territorial claims.

The incident occurred near Sabina Shoal, a region of escalating tension between the two nations. Sabina Shoal is located around 140 kilometers west of the Philippines’ Palawan region. It has been the focus of increased Chinese maritime operations, prompting the Philippines to boost its presence in the area.

Less than two weeks ago, a similar conflict occurred between the two militaries near Scarborough Shoal.

Despite a 2016 United Nations tribunal ruling invalidating China’s claims to the South China Sea, Beijing has continued to claim control over the region, leading to frequent clashes with other claimants such as Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

As tensions rise, both countries are committed to defending their regional interests, raising concerns about further escalations.

Reference: Reuters, AP

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