Tensions flared in the South China Sea on Monday as China accused a Philippine vessel of deliberately colliding with a Chinese coast guard vessel. The Chinese Coast Guard released a statement claiming that the Philippine ship had ignored repeated warnings and engaged in an “unprofessional and dangerous” maneuver.
A short video of the incident, posted on China’s Coast Guard social media, showed the collision occurring around 3:24 a.m. local time. According to China, the Philippine vessel then attempted to enter waters near Second Thomas Shoal after being prevented from entering Sabina Shoal. The Chinese Coast Guard further alleged that two Philippine Coast Guard vessels had “illegally intruded” into waters adjacent to Sabina Shoal without permission.
The Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson, Gan Yu, accused the Philippines of “repeatedly provoking and causing trouble,” violating temporary arrangements between the two countries regarding supply missions to the grounded vessel on Second Thomas Shoal.
A spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard has not yet commented on the incident.
China stated that it took control measures against the Philippine ships, in accordance with the law, and warned the Philippines to “immediately stop infringement and provocation” or “bear all consequences”. The incident comes amidst ongoing tensions between the two nations over the strategically important South China Sea.
In July, China and the Philippines reached a “provisional agreement” following repeated altercations near Second Thomas Shoal. China has faced criticism from Western nations for its actions in blocking Philippine efforts to resupply troops stationed on a navy ship intentionally grounded 25 years ago on Second Thomas Shoal.
China claims almost all of the South China Sea, including both Sabina Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal, rejecting a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that Beijing’s expansive claims have no basis under international law. The Philippines maintains its sovereignty over the area, and the dispute continues to be a source of tension between the two countries.
