Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels collided in the South China Sea, highlighting ongoing tensions in the disputed waters. The incident occurred early Monday morning, with China claiming that two Philippine Coast Guard vessels “illegally” attempted to enter waters around Sabina Shoal. A Philippine national security official said two of its vessels were damaged in the collision.
According to China, one Philippine ship ignored warnings and deliberately collided with a Chinese vessel in “an unprofessional, dangerous manner”. Two videos released by China show the encounter.
The Philippines said it encountered “unlawful and aggressive maneuvers from Chinese coast guard vessels”, leading to a collision that damaged both vessels. National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya reported this during a forum streamed on YouTube Inc.
This incident follows another recent diplomatic protest filed by the Philippines against China after two Chinese air force aircraft allegedly performed “dangerous” maneuvers and dropped flares near a Philippine Air Force plane patrolling Scarborough Shoal.
China criticized the Philippines for “repeatedly provoking a fight” by violating interim agreements regarding a Philippine supply boat near the Second Thomas Shoal, according to a Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson, Gan Yu. China urged the Philippines to “cease its infringement and provocation immediately.”
Following the collision, two Philippine ships attempted to enter waters around the Second Thomas Shoal. China said it took “control measures” against both ships.