The Chinese Coast Guard accused a Philippine vessel of “deliberately” colliding with one of its ships in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, according to statements released on Monday. The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of the morning near Sabina Shoal, an area claimed by both China and the Philippines.
The Chinese Coast Guard released a short video on social media showing the collision, which took place at approximately 3:24 a.m. local time on Monday (1924 GMT on Sunday). The footage identified the Chinese vessel involved as a Coast Guard ship and depicted what the Chinese authorities described as “unprofessional and dangerous” behavior by the Philippine vessel, which they claimed had ignored repeated warnings.
Following the collision, China’s maritime security agency reported that the same Philippine vessel attempted to enter waters near the Second Thomas Shoal after being prevented from accessing the area around Sabina Shoal. According to China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu, two Philippine Coast Guard vessels “illegally intruded” into the waters adjacent to Sabina Shoal without permission during the early hours of Monday.
Gan accused the Philippines of “repeatedly provoking and causing trouble” and violating temporary arrangements between the two nations, specifically referencing the Philippines’ ongoing supply missions to a vessel grounded on the Second Thomas Shoal.
In response to the incident, the Chinese Coast Guard stated that it had taken control measures against the Philippine ships in accordance with Chinese law and issued a stern warning to the Philippines to “immediately stop infringement and provocation” or face “all consequences.”
As of now, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard has not responded to requests for comment.
The latest clash comes after a provisional agreement between China and the Philippines in July, following several altercations near the Second Thomas Shoal. China’s actions in the South China Sea, particularly its efforts to block Philippine attempts to resupply troops stationed on a grounded navy ship at the shoal, have drawn sharp criticism from Western nations.
China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, including both Sabina Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal, rejecting a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that determined Beijing’s expansive claims have no legal basis under international law. The ongoing disputes continue to heighten tensions in the region, with both China and the Philippines standing firm in their territorial claims.
