A Chinese ship and a Philippine supply vessel collided on Monday in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, China’s coast guard said, blaming the Philippines.
The Chinese Coast Guard noted on social networking site WeChat that the Philippine supply vessel “ignored China’s repeated warnings … and dangerously approached the Chinese vessel in normal navigation in an unprofessional manner, leading to the collision.” The authority added:
The Philippines bears full responsibility for this.
The Philippines says the shallow waters less than 200 nautical miles (370 kilometres) off its coast are within its internationally recognised exclusive economic zone.
The disputed Spratly Islands
China and the Philippines often clash over the disputed Spratly Islands. The Philippines argues that the shoal falls within their internationally recognised exclusive economic zone and often refers to a 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s claims in the South China Sea.
Chinese Coast Guard ships and suspected militia vessels have used powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking manoeuvres that have injured members of the Philippine Navy, damaged their supply vessels and strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In March this year, the Philippines reported that Chinese coast guard ships backed by a military helicopter unsuccessfully tried to block two Philippine government ships carrying scientists from reaching two sandbanks in the disputed South China Sea.
On Saturday, new Chinese Coast Guard rules went into effect under which it can detain foreigners for alleged trespassing in the disputed sea. Manila accused the Chinese coast guard of “barbaric and inhumane behaviour” against Filipino vessels, with President Ferdinand Marcos calling the new rules a “deeply disturbing” escalation.
New coast guard rules
China has come out in defence of its new coast guard rules. A Foreign Office spokesman said last month they aimed to “better maintain order at sea.”.
Chinese coast guard ships have repeatedly used water cannons against Philippine boats in disputed waters. Philippine military personnel suffered injuries as a result of the clashes.
On Friday, the Group of Seven criticised what it called China’s “dangerous” incursions into the South China Sea.
The confrontation between China and the Philippines has raised fears of a wider maritime conflict that could involve the United States and other allies. Trillions of dollars worth of shipping traffic passes through the South China Sea each year.
