South China Sea: Chinese and Philippine Vessels Collide Amid Escalating Tensions Near Scarborough Shoal

Maritime tensions in the South China Sea have escalated following a reported collision between Chinese and Philippine vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal. Both nations traded accusations on Tuesday regarding the incident, which saw one Philippine crew member injured.

China’s Coast Guard claimed a Philippine vessel rammed one of its ships in the area. Conversely, the Philippine Coast Guard stated that “aggressive actions” by Chinese vessels damaged one of their ships and injured personnel, reportedly from shattered glass caused by a Chinese water cannon.

A China Coast Guard spokesperson confirmed the use of water cannons, citing “unlawful” entry by 10 Philippine boats. The Philippine Coast Guard, however, asserted its vessels were on a mission to resupply over 35 of its fishing boats when confronted by nine Chinese vessels.

This latest confrontation near the shoal, known as Huangyan Island in China and Panatag Shoal in the Philippines, occurs less than a week after Beijing announced plans to convert the 8,650-acre atoll into a nature reserve. This decision was condemned by the Philippines and its allies, including the United States and Canada, who view it as a pretext for expansionism rather than environmental protection.

The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs pledged a formal diplomatic protest against Beijing’s “illegitimate and unlawful action.” The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, rejected China’s “destabilising plans” for the reef, which lies 240km west of Luzon.

China maintains claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, a stance challenged by international law, including a 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that Beijing rejects. The incident also follows recent warnings from China to the Philippines regarding joint military drills conducted with the US and Japan in the region.

阅读中文版 (Read Chinese Version)

Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.