China and the Philippines accused each other of causing a collision between their two vessels in the latest flareup of tensions over disputed waters and maritime features in the South China Sea.
In a statement posted on social media, Chinese coast guard spokesperson Liu Dejun was quoted as saying that a Philippine ship manoeuvered and “deliberately collided” with a Chinese coastguard ship “in an unprofessional and dangerous manner”.
Philippine officials in Manila said it was their coastguard ship, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, that was rammed thrice by the Chinese coastguard, causing damage to the Philippine vessel.
It was the second confrontation in days near Sabina Shoal, about 140km west of the Philippine province of Palawan, in the internationally recognised exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.
The Philippine ship, the Magbanua, has been anchored in Sabina since mid-April after Manila suspected that China may construct a structure to seize the uninhabited atoll.
China harboured the same suspicions and recently filed a diplomatic protest against the Philippines due to the ship’s prolonged presence at the shoal.
China is rapidly expanding its military and has become increasingly assertive in pursuing its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea.
The tensions have led to more frequent confrontations, primarily with the Philippines, and could drag in the United States, which is bound by a treaty to defend the Philippines.
Sabina Shoal is near Second Thomas Shoal, another flashpoint where China has hampered the resupply of Philippine forces.
Both countries reached an agreement last month to prevent further confrontations at the shoal. — AP
