Philippines accuses China of ramming vessel near disputed island as tensions soar
MANILA (Reuters) -The Philippines accused Chinese naval forces of using water cannons and ramming a Philippine ship near Philippine-occupied Thitu Island, calling the actions a “clear threat” that escalated tensions in the contested South China Sea waters.
The Philippine Coast Guard said three Filipino ships, including the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, anchored near Thitu Island, known locally as Pag-asa 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.
An hour later, a Chinese coast guard ship fired water cannon directly at BRP Datu Pagbuaya before striking its stern, causing minor damage but no injuries, the PCG said.
The Manila coast guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vowed to continue their operations in the area, saying their presence was necessary to protect the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen.
China’s embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Tensions have been rising between China and the Philippines throughout the year over the South China Sea, especially Scarborough Shoal, an important fishing area.
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a vital waterway that handles more than $3 trillion in annual shipping trade; Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam also claim part of this sea.
(Reporting by Phuong Nguyen and Karen Lema; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
