10-12-2023 (MANILA) In a recent incident near the disputed shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippines and China exchanged accusations over a collision between their vessels, escalating tensions in the region. The Philippine coast guard claimed that China fired water cannons and rammed resupply vessels, causing severe engine damage, while China’s coast guard alleged that the Philippine vessel intentionally collided with its ship.
The South China Sea has been a focal point of territorial disputes, with China asserting claims over the entire region, including parts contested by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 ruled against China, stating that its claims had no legal basis.
The recent incident occurred near the Second Thomas Shoal, an uninhabited area within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The Philippines regularly deploys resupply missions to this region, where Filipino soldiers inhabit an ageing warship intentionally grounded in 1999 to safeguard maritime claims.
China accused the Philippines of “illegal and aggressive actions,” referring to the firing of water cannons at a civilian-operated government fishing vessel. The Philippines condemned China’s actions as “unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous manoeuvres,” questioning the sincerity of China’s calls for peaceful dialogue.
China’s coast guard claimed that two Philippine vessels entered waters near Ren’ai Reef without approval, leading to the collision. The Philippine side, however, asserted that the China Coast Guard vessel intentionally rammed into the Filipino vessel. Diplomats, including the US ambassador, expressed condemnation of China’s actions, while EU and New Zealand officials expressed deep concern.
The incident underscores the deteriorating relations between Manila and Beijing, with President Ferdinand Marcos expressing growing concerns about the situation in the South China Sea.
