Philippines, China trade accusations over vessel clash
The Philippines and China have blamed each other for a naval conflict near disputed islands in the South China Sea, further increasing tensions in the resource-rich waterway.
In a statement, the Philippines’ coast guard claimed that Chinese naval forces used water cannons and rammed a Philippine ship near Thitu Island, known locally as Pag-asa Island, describing these actions as a “clear threat”.
Three ships anchored near the island early Sunday as part of a government program to protect local fishermen when Chinese vessels reportedly approached and used water cannons to scare them away, according to the Manila coast guard.
An hour later, a Chinese coast guard ship fired water cannon directly at a Philippine ship before hitting its stern, causing minor damage but no injuries, the coast guard said.
The Chinese coast guard said two Philippine government ships “illegally entered” waters near Sandy Cay, a coral reef in the northern Thitu Reefs in the Spratly Islands, leading to a collision.
Beijing said the Philippine ship came “dangerously close” to the Chinese coast guard ship, for which it blamed Manila.
Manila authorities promised to continue operations in the region, emphasizing the need to protect the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen.
The disputed territory, which is part of the Spratly Islands, has been the scene of repeated clashes between the two countries over the years.
Tensions have risen recently, particularly over Scarborough Shoal and other disputed areas in the South China Sea, which China claims almost entirely.
Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam also claim parts of the waterway, a strategic trade route that accounts for more than US$3 trillion in annual ship trade.
