Chinese & Philippine Coast Guard Ships Collide Again In The Disputed South China Sea

The United States has criticized China’s actions after a collision between a Chinese Coast Guard vessel and a Philippine Coast Guard ship in the disputed South China Sea.

According to a statement released by the U.S. State Department, the collision involved the Philippine vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua, exercising its freedom of navigation in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The Chinese vessel’s intentional ramming caused damage and risked the crew’s safety onboard, according to U.S. spokesperson Matthew Miller.

In response, China accused the Philippines of provoking the incident. Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson Liu Dejun stated that the Philippine ship operated in a dangerous and unprofessional manner, resulting in the collision.

On the other hand, Philippine officials countered, claiming that their vessel had been rammed without provocation.

Since mid-April, the BRP Teresa Magbanua has been stationed at Sabina Shoal, approximately 140 kilometers west of the Philippine province of Palawan.

This afternoon, the Chinese Coast Guard vessel deliberately rammed and collided with the BRP Teresa Magbanua three times, despite no provocation from the Philippine Coast Guard. pic.twitter.com/jYnrXKpY3W

— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) August 31, 2024

Video Credits: Jay Tarriela/X

The Philippine government filed a diplomatic protest after suspecting China of constructing a structure on the atoll. China also expressed concerns about the Philippine vessel’s extended presence near the shoal.

The collision is the second in recent days near Sabina Shoal, a flashpoint in the South China Sea conflict. Both countries have reported several incidents involving their ships in the area over the past two weeks.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a crucial international maritime route, with Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also claiming it.

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to defending the Philippines under its mutual defense agreement. U.S. Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson publicly criticized China’s actions and expressed her support for the Philippines.

The U.S. has also signalled a willingness to advise on potential escorting of Philippine ships in the disputed waters.

Additionally, Japan has filed a formal protest against China over what it claimed was a Chinese survey ship’s incursion into its territorial waters.

The protest adds to growing concerns about China’s military activities in the region, including recent incidents involving Chinese military aircraft entering Japanese airspace.

Reference: AP News, Bloomberg

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