China’s Coast Guard has alleged that a Philippine vessel deliberately collided with a Chinese ship in the South China Sea on Monday morning, describing the incident as “unprofessional and dangerous.” This assertion was made through a series of statements and a video posted on social media, which captured the collision occurring around 3:24 a.m. local time (1924 GMT on Sunday).
The Chinese maritime authorities reported that the Philippine vessel, which had previously been warned, intentionally breached the rules and collided with the Chinese ship near Second Thomas Shoal after being barred from entering Sabina Shoal waters. Gan Yu, a spokesperson for the China Coast Guard, criticized the Philippine actions as provocations and violations of temporary arrangements between China and the Philippines.
In response to the incident, China’s Coast Guard took what they described as “lawful control measures” against the Philippine ships and issued a stern warning for the Philippines to cease such actions immediately or face consequences.
The confrontation comes amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, where China claims nearly the entire area, including both Shoals. This claim has been widely contested, and a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated China’s expansive territorial claims.
The Philippines has recently been engaged in efforts to resupply troops stationed on a navy vessel deliberately grounded on Second Thomas Shoal 25 years ago. This latest altercation reflects the continuing friction between the two nations over maritime sovereignty and rights in the disputed region.
A spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard has yet to respond to the Chinese allegations.
