The Philippines and China have exchanged accusations following a collision between their vessels in the South China Sea, escalating tensions despite recent efforts to manage maritime disputes. Both nations blamed each other for the incident, which occurred on Monday.
According to China’s Coast Guard, a Philippine vessel ignored repeated warnings and “deliberately collided” with a Chinese ship in what they described as an “unprofessional and dangerous” act in the disputed waters.
The Philippines, however, disputed China’s account, asserting that two of its coast guard vessels faced “unlawful and aggressive maneuvers” by Chinese ships near Sabina Shoal while en route to resupply personnel stationed on Flat Island (Patag) and Lawak Island, territories claimed by both nations.
Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson for the Philippine National Security Council and the South China Sea Task Force, stated that these dangerous maneuvers led to collisions, causing structural damage to the Philippine Coast Guard vessels Cape Engano and Bagacay. The incident occurred around 3:24 a.m. local time, with a second collision involving Bagacay reported 16 minutes later, resulting in minor damage.
In response, the Chinese Coast Guard released a video showing the collision, claiming that the same Philippine vessel later entered waters near Second Thomas Shoal after being prevented from entering Sabina Shoal.
China’s Coast Guard accused the Philippine vessels of “illegally intruding” into waters near Sabina Shoal without permission, with spokesperson Gan Yu claiming that the Philippines had repeatedly provoked China by violating temporary arrangements between the two countries.
China warned the Philippines to “immediately stop infringement and provocation” or face consequences, stating that it took control measures in line with the law.
Despite the confrontation, the Philippine task force confirmed that both vessels would continue their mission to supply personnel in the disputed area. The task force called for restraint and adherence to international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to avoid further escalation.
This maritime incident follows a similar air incident between Chinese and Philippine forces near Scarborough Shoal less than two weeks ago. The two nations had reached a provisional agreement in July to manage their disputes after repeated altercations near Second Thomas Shoal, where China has been heavily criticized by Western nations for its aggressive actions in blocking Philippine resupply missions.
China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea, including the contested shoals, have been widely rejected, with a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague declaring Beijing’s claims to be without basis under international law.