Chinese, Philippine Vessels Collide at Disputed Atoll; Governments Accuse

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Tensions in the South China Sea escalated over the weekend as China and the Philippines accused one another of responsibility for a collision involving their coast guard vessels. The incident occurred on Saturday, further straining relations between the two nations amidst ongoing maritime disputes.

According to a statement from Liu Dejun, a spokesperson for the Chinese coast guard, a Philippine vessel was alleged to have maneuvered dangerously and “deliberately collided” with a Chinese coast guard ship. Chinese authorities characterized the incident as unprofessional, suggesting intent behind the actions of the Philippine ship.

On the other hand, Philippine officials contended that their coast guard ship, known as the BRP Teresa Magbanua, had been struck multiple times by a Chinese vessel without any form of provocation. They reported that these collisions caused damage to their ship.

This confrontation marks the second encounter in a span of days near Sabina Shoal, located approximately 140 kilometers (85 miles) west of the Philippine province of Palawan. The Philippine coast guard vessel had been stationed at the shoal since mid-April amid concerns that China might establish a presence there.

Manila voiced suspicions that China intended to construct a structure on the uninhabited atoll, leading to heightened tensions. In turn, China lodged a diplomatic protest against the Philippines, objecting to the prolonged presence of the Philippine ship in the area.

China is known for its aggressive posture in the South China Sea, a crucial area for international trading routes. The nation’s military expansion has become increasingly pronounced, especially regarding its claims over nearly the entire sea. These confrontations between China and the Philippines have raised alarms that the situation could potentially involve the United States, which is bound by a defense treaty with the Philippines.

Further complicating matters, the long-standing territorial disputes in the South China Sea also involve other nations, including Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei. China has consistently rejected rulings by international arbitration panels that challenge its historical claims in the region.

Commodore Jay Tarriela from the Philippine coast guard stated during a news briefing that the Magbanua would remain anchored at Sabina Shoal and would not be withdrawn despite ongoing harassment from the Chinese coast guard. He emphasized the Philippines’ resolve to maintain its presence in the face of such actions.

The Philippine coast guard released a video that appeared to document the Chinese vessel ramming into the Magbanua, a move that has drawn international attention and condemnation.

The United States weighed in on the incident, condemning China’s actions as violations of international law. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, asserted the United States’ commitment to stand alongside the Philippines in upholding international law during this time of rising tensions.

The U.S. has indicated that it considers itself obligated to defend the Philippines in the event of armed attacks committed by Chinese forces in the South China Sea. Recently, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command head Adm. Samuel Paparo expressed openness to discussions about potentially escorting Philippine vessels in the region.

Frequent clashes between Chinese coast guard vessels and Philippine ships have become commonplace, particularly during attempts to resupply Filipino forces stationed at disputed locations. As the confrontations grow increasingly aggressive, leading to injuries and damage to Philippine vessels, scrutiny is mounting on the government’s response and how it will invoke its treaty alliance with the U.S.

Sabina Shoal sits in proximity to Second Thomas Shoal, another hotspot for tensions where China’s actions have impeded the resupply efforts for Philippine forces. Although both nations reached a prior agreement to reduce confrontations at Sabina Shoal, incidents continue to arise.

On the same day as the collision, Japan also expressed concern, filing a formal protest through the Chinese embassy regarding what it termed an encroachment by a Chinese survey ship into its territorial waters. This incident has raised alarms in Japan, particularly in light of increasing military cooperation between China and Russia.

Adding to the regional tensions, Japan protested a separate incident involving a Chinese military aircraft that briefly entered its southwestern airspace. In response, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson emphasized that it was not China’s intention to breach any country’s airspace.

Source: Associated Press