China Accuses Philippines of Provoking Ship Collision in South China Sea
The Chinese coast guard has accused the Philippines of a serious offense, alleging that Philippine coast guard ships intentionally collided with a Chinese vessel near Sabina Shoal in the contested South China Sea on Monday. The incident has heightened tensions in the territorial disputes between the two nations.
According to a statement on the Chinese coast guard’s website, two Philippine coast guard ships entered waters near Sabina Shoal and disregarded warnings from the Chinese coast guard before deliberately colliding with one of the Chinese boats at 3:24 a.m. The Philippine authorities have not yet responded to this allegation.
A spokesperson for the Chinese coast guard stated that the collision was entirely the fault of the Philippine side and cautioned the Philippines against engaging in further infringement and provocation to avoid the consequences of their actions. China has also reaffirmed its sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, including Sabina Shoal and its adjacent waters, and has placed responsibility for the collision on the Philippines.
Sabina Shoal, located west of the Philippines’ Palawan province, has emerged as a new focal point in the ongoing territorial disputes between China and the Philippines. The Philippine coast guard deployed the BRP Teresa Magbanua to Sabina in April after discovering submerged crushed corals in its shallows, raising suspicions that China may plan to construct a structure in the atoll. Following this, the Chinese coast guard deployed a ship to Sabina.
The incident at Sabina Shoal took place near the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal, which has witnessed confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coast guard ships and accompanying vessels. Despite this, China and the Philippines had reached an agreement last month to prevent further confrontations when the Philippines transports new batches of sentry forces, along with supplies, to Manila’s territorial outpost in the Second Thomas Shoal, which has been closely guarded by Chinese coast guard, navy, and suspected militia ships.
Shortly after the agreement, the Philippine navy transported food and personnel to the Second Thomas Shoal, and no incidents were reported, signaling hope that tensions in the shoal would eventually ease.
This recent incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing complex territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the potential for further escalation between nations. The situation demands delicate and diplomatic measures to prevent any further conflict in the region.
Gomez reported from Manila, Philippines.
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