Philippines: A Chinese ship and a Philippine boat have collided close to a disputed reef in the South China Sea, sparking the latest territorial dispute between the two nations.
China has “harassed, blocked, and executed dangerous manoeuvres,” according to the Philippines. It comes one day after China was charged by the Philippines with obstructing three of its vessels with water cannons.
A territorial dispute involving China, the Philippines, and other nations revolves around the South China Sea. China reportedly targeted Philippine civilian supply vessels in the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, which is a point of contention between the two nations, the Philippines said.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said in a statement that a Chinese coast guard ship “rammed” one of two boats carrying provisions. Additionally, China was charged with utilising water cannons to cause “severe damage” to one boat’s engine.
However, the China Coast Guard claimed that after “disregarding our multiple stern warnings,” the Philippine boat “deliberately collided” with the Chinese vessel.
It follows the Philippines’ accusations that China engaged in “illegal and aggressive” behaviour on Saturday by obstructing three of its vessels with the use of war cannons. Beijing noted that it had used what it called “control measures” on ships that had intruded into its waters.
Earlier this week, after more than 135 military vessels were sighted in the South China Sea, the Philippines accused China of “swarming” a reef off its coast.
Following Mr. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s election as president of the Philippines last year, tensions between the two nations over conflicting claims to sovereignty have intensified, as per the statement.
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