A collision between Chinese and Philippine coast guard ships early Monday near Sabina Shoal in the disputed South China Sea has heightened tensions between the two nations, damaging at least two vessels. The incident, which occurred in the Spratly Islands—a region with overlapping territorial claims involving China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan—has led to a new flashpoint in their increasingly confrontational relationship.
China’s coast guard accused the Philippines of deliberately ramming one of its vessels, claiming that two Philippine coast guard ships entered Chinese waters, ignored warnings, and intentionally caused the collision. A spokesperson for the Chinese coast guard, Gan Yu, stated that the Philippine side is “entirely responsible” for the incident and warned of potential consequences if such actions continue.
In contrast, the Philippine National Security Council rejected these accusations, accusing China of spreading disinformation. Jonathan Malaya, assistant director-general of the council, pointed to video and photographic evidence that reportedly shows Chinese ships initiating the collisions. The Philippine coast guard reported that their ships, BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño, sustained structural damage due to what they described as “unlawful and aggressive maneuvers” by the Chinese vessels.
According to the Philippines’ National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea, the collisions resulted in significant damage, including a hole on the deck of BRP Cape Engaño and multiple impacts on BRP Bagacay. Commodore Jay Tarriela of the Philippine coast guard described this as the most severe structural damage they’ve encountered from Chinese actions in the disputed waters.
China, reiterating its claim of “indisputable sovereignty” over the Spratly Islands, including Sabina Shoal, asserted that the Philippine ships had no right to be in the area. In a separate statement, China claimed the Philippine vessel involved in the incident had also entered waters near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, ignoring further warnings from the Chinese coast guard.
Sabina Shoal, located approximately 140 kilometers west of the Philippines’ Palawan province, has recently become a focal point of tension. The Philippine coast guard increased its presence in the area earlier this year after Filipino scientists reported suspicious activity, raising concerns that China might be preparing to construct a structure on the atoll.
Despite a recent agreement aimed at preventing confrontations, the latest incident underscores the fragility of peace in the region. The Philippines expressed disappointment that this agreement, which had initially led to hopes of easing tensions, has been undermined by the collision.
China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, including its assertion of control over nearly all the waters within a self-drawn 10-dash line, continue to be a source of conflict in the Asia-Pacific region. A 2016 United Nations tribunal ruling invalidated China’s claims, but Beijing has rejected the ruling and maintained its aggressive posture, leading to frequent clashes with other claimants, particularly the Philippines.
Source ~ AP
Nneoma Udensi
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