Chinese and Philippine vessels collided on Monday during a confrontation near the disputed Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, according to statements from both countries.
China and the Philippines have been engaged in multiple maritime disputes recently, particularly concerning areas such as the Second Thomas Shoal, where a Philippine warship has been grounded as a military outpost. Despite an international tribunal ruling against China's expansive claims in the region, Beijing continues to assert dominance over nearly the entire South China Sea.
Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson Geng Yu accused a Philippine vessel of deliberately colliding with a Chinese ship early Monday morning. Geng claimed that Philippine coast guard ships had unlawfully entered waters near the Xianbin Reef, which China refers to as part of the Nansha Islands.
According to Geng, the Chinese coast guard responded to the intrusion by taking appropriate legal measures.
On the other hand, the Philippines' National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea reported that two of its coast guard ships sustained damage during the encounter. Manila accused Chinese vessels of engaging in "unlawful and aggressive maneuvers" near Sabina Shoal, resulting in structural damage to both Philippine vessels.
Sabina Shoal is located approximately 140 kilometers west of the Philippine island of Palawan, while it is over 1,000 kilometers from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan Island. Both nations have stationed coast guard vessels around the shoal, with concerns that China might be planning to build an artificial island there.
Footage released by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV purportedly shows a Philippine vessel colliding with the side of a Chinese ship, followed by another clip that appears to depict the Chinese vessel making contact with the rear of the Philippine ship. Captions in the footage claimed that the Philippine ship made an abrupt course change, causing the collision.
Manila's National Security Council Director General Jonathan Malaya stated that the BRP Cape Engano, one of the damaged Philippine ships, suffered a five-inch hole after being struck by a Chinese vessel. Another vessel, the BRP Bagacay, was reportedly rammed twice by a Chinese ship, causing minor damage.
Despite the damage, the Philippine crews were unharmed and continued their mission to resupply Philippine-controlled islands in the Spratly group.
The incident has raised concerns about potential U.S. involvement as Beijing intensifies its claims in the South China Sea. Analysts suggest that China's actions are aimed at consolidating its control over the region, echoing past incidents such as the 2012 takeover of Scarborough Shoal by Beijing.
Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that the confrontation occurred at 3:24 a.m. local time on Monday, with a Philippine vessel entering waters near the Second Thomas Shoal later in the morning.
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