Philippines implicated in South China Sea collision by China.
In the South China Sea, tensions between China and the Philippines surfaced over an alleged clash between a Chinese Coast Guard ship and a Philippine Navy vessel near Ren'ai Jiao reef. The Chinese accuse the Philippines of intentionally ramming their coast guard vessel during a supply operation. On the contrary, the Philippine military dismisses these claims as misleading.
Xerxes Trinidad, a military spokesperson, refused to elaborate on the details of the operation at the Second-Thomas Shoal or Ayungin Shoal. The Philippines contests China's territorial claims in the region, disapproving of the Chinese Coast Guard's presence as illegal and escalating tensions.
Despite a negative verdict from the International Court of Justice in 2016, China insists on its claims in the area. The Philippines considers the disputed reefs as part of their Exclusive Economic Zone and condemns the provocative actions of the Chinese Coast Guard.
According to the Chinese, the Philippine boat deliberately approached them on Monday, disregarding repeated warnings, leading to the collision. Apparently, they consider the Philippines solely responsible for this unprofessional incident. No reports of damage were provided. However, the Philippine side voices concerns about persistent provocative actions by the Chinese Coast Guard on Monday.
Historically, both countries have exchanged accusations of reckless maneuvers in the region, with China even turning water cannons on Philippine ships. The Second-Thomas Shoal, a valuable resource-rich location, has been a contentious issue between the two countries.
China lays claim to nearly the entire South China Sea, but this territory is also staked by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei. These widespread reefs and islands, located west of the Philippines and far south of China, are believed to be a treasure trove of resources.
