BEIJING, China: Tensions between the Philippines and China surged on Monday following collisions between their vessels in the disputed South China Sea.
China accused a Philippine ship of “deliberately colliding” with a Chinese vessel near Sabina Shoal, describing the incident as “unprofessional and dangerous.” In contrast, the Philippines claimed its coast guard vessels, Cape Engano and Bagacay, encountered “unlawful and aggressive maneuvers” by Chinese ships while en route to supply personnel stationed on Flat and Lawak Islands.
The collisions resulted in minor structural damage to both Philippine vessels. A spokesperson for Manila’s South China Sea task force, Jonathan Malaya, stated that the confrontations occurred early Monday, with Cape Engano colliding with a Chinese ship at 3:24 a.m., followed by Bagacay being rammed twice by another Chinese vessel.
China released a video showing one of the collisions and the two nations have accused each other of escalating the situation despite efforts to manage their maritime disputes.
