- Maritime mishap triggers renewed tension between China and the Philippines
In the ongoing disagreement between China and the Philippines over territorial issues in the South China Sea, another sea-related incident has took place. Both sides have pointed fingers at each other, claiming responsibility for the mishap. The Philippine government's task force in charge of matters relating to the western Philippine Sea areas accused China of carrying out "illegal and aggressive moves." According to their statement, two Philippine coast guard supply ships collided with two Chinese ships in quick succession around 6 AM on a typical Monday.
In the first incident, a gap around 5 inches (approximately 13 centimeters) appeared in one of the Philippine ships. Not long after, a Chinese coast guard ship intentionally crashed into a second Philippine ship, causing minimal damage. Both incidents happened near the Sabina Shoal, a reef that is part of the Spratly Islands, which are both claimed by China and the Philippines.
China's perspective
As per the Chinese coast guard's account, it was a Philippine coast guard ship that caused the first collision with a Chinese ship. Despite repeated warnings, the Philippine ship allegedly approached the Chinese ship dangerously. There was no mention of a second collision in their statement.
In the recent past, the Philippines and China had agreed to avoid further conflicts, in light of the tense situation surrounding the Second Thomas Shoal. Here, Philippine troops have been stationed on a ship named "BRP Sierra Madre" since 1999. Recently, there have been numerous confrontations during supply missions for the ship.
China's holdings
China asserts that nearly the entire South China Sea belongs to them. However, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei also stake their claims in the area. This resource-rich region is also a significant global trade route. Critics, including the USA and China's neighboring countries, accuse Beijing of intensifying military presence in the area.
- The Philippine government's accusation of China's "illegal and aggressive moves" in the South China Sea echoes the concerns of other countries, such as the United States, who critically watch Beijing's intensifying military presence in the region.
- Despite previously agreeing to avoid further conflicts near the Second Thomas Shoal, where the BRP Sierra Madre is stationed, China and the Philippines have found themselves in another sea-related dispute, this time around the Sabina Shoal, a contested area claimed by both countries.
