Chinese Coast Guard vessels (background L and R) are seen passing Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Cape Engano (C), in a photo from BRP Cabra during a supply mission to Sabina Shoal in the disputed waters of the South China Sea on August 26. , 2024.
Sta Rosa Jam Sta Rosa | AFP Getty Images
China and the Philippines accused each other of crashing their ships in disputed territory in the South China Sea on Saturday, the latest in a series of escalating skirmishes in the vital waterway.
China’s coast guard said a Philippine ship “illegally stranded” in Sabina Shoal had lifted anchor and “intentionally rammed” a Chinese ship, while the Philippine coast guard said a Chinese ship “intentionally rammed” one of Manila’s ships.
Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. This part of the waterway, where trade is $3 trillion a year, is believed to be rich in oil and natural gas deposits, as well as fish stocks.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 found China’s sweeping claims to have no legal basis, a claim Beijing has denied.
Liu Dejun, spokesman for China’s coast guard, asked the Philippines in a statement to immediately withdraw from the shoal.
“China’s coast guard will take necessary measures to prevent all acts of provocation, interference and violation and resolutely safeguard the country’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Liu said.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela told a press conference that the Chinese Coast Guard has ignored collision regulations and carried out dangerous maneuvers, resulting in damage but no injuries have been reported.
The shoal is in the exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles of the Philippines.
