BEIJING — A heated exchange of accusations between the Philippines and China took place on Saturday, following an alleged intentional collision of coast guard vessels in the contentious waters of the South China Sea. This incident marks the latest in a series of escalating confrontations in this crucial maritime route.
The incident occurred near the Sabina Shoal, marking the fifth maritime dispute between the two nations within a month, further intensifying their longstanding rivalry.
China lays claim to almost the entirety of the South China Sea, a claim that overlaps with those of the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. This waterway, through which an estimated $3 trillion worth of trade flows annually, is believed to be abundant in oil and natural gas reserves, as well as fish stocks.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China’s extensive claims lacked legal foundation, a verdict that Beijing continues to dismiss.
At a press conference, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela presented videos of Saturday’s clash, accusing China Coast Guard vessel 5205 of “directly and intentionally ramming the Philippine vessel” without any provocation.
The collision resulted in damage to the 320-foot Teresa Magbanua, one of the largest coast guard cutters of the Philippines. However, no personnel were injured in the incident, according to Tarriela.
China’s coast guard spokesperson, Liu Dejun, countered these claims in a statement, alleging that a Philippine ship, “illegally stranded” at the shoal, had lifted anchor and ”deliberately rammed” a Chinese vessel. He warned the Philippines to withdraw immediately or face the consequences.
“The Chinese coast guard will take the necessary measures to resolutely thwart all acts of provocation, nuisance, and infringement and resolutely safeguard the country’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Liu stated.
Despite these threats, Tarriela affirmed that Manila would not withdraw its ship, stating, “despite the harassment, the bullying activities, and escalatory action of the Chinese coast guard.”
US condemns Chinese ‘violations’
The U.S. ambassador to the Philippines expressed Washington’s support for the Philippines, a treaty ally.
“U.S. condemns the multiple dangerous violations of international law by the PRC (People’s Republic of China), including today’s intentional ramming,” Ambassador MaryKay Carlson stated on social media platform X.
In April, the Philippines deployed a ship to the Sabina Shoal, located 75 nautical miles from the coast of the Philippine province of Palawan. Manila accused Beijing of constructing an artificial island, claiming it had documented piles of dead and crushed coral on the sandbars, an allegation Beijing denies.
Earlier this week, the Philippine maritime council reported that Chinese aircraft had made unsafe maneuvers against a civilian aircraft conducting patrols over two other disputed areas, the Scarborough Shoal and Subi reef.
The Philippines also accused China of obstructing a routine resupply mission on Sunday, alleging that Chinese vessels rammed and used water cannons on a fisheries bureau ship transporting food, fuel, and medical supplies for Filipino fishermen.
Disagree – Both countries need to work together to prevent further collisions and ensure maritime safety in the region.
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