25-8-2024 (BEIJING) A fresh maritime confrontation between China and the Philippines has erupted in the disputed South China Sea, with both nations offering conflicting accounts of a collision between their vessels near the contested Sabina Shoal. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing territorial disputes that have plagued the region.
According to Gan Yu, spokesperson for the Chinese Coast Guard, a Philippine vessel entered waters surrounding Sabina Shoal—known to China as Xianbin Reef in the Nansha Islands—despite warnings to desist. Gan alleged that the Philippine ship engaged in “unprofessional” and “dangerous” manoeuvres, resulting in a light collision with a Chinese coast guard vessel. The Chinese official also claimed that journalists aboard the Philippine boat were attempting to “distort facts” through their documentation of the event.
In a stern rebuke, Gan stated, “The responsibility is totally on the Philippines’ side. We sternly warn that the Philippine side must immediately stop the infringement and provocation, otherwise it must bear all consequences.” However, the Chinese spokesperson did not elaborate on the specific “control measures” taken by the coast guard in response to the incident.
Contrasting sharply with China’s narrative, the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources reported that its vessel encountered “aggressive and dangerous manoeuvres” from eight Chinese maritime vessels. The bureau asserted that these actions were aimed at obstructing a humanitarian mission to resupply Filipino fishermen with essential provisions, including diesel, food, and medical supplies.
This latest skirmish comes mere days after another reported collision between Chinese and Philippine coast guard ships near Sabina Shoal, resulting in damage to at least two vessels. The shoal, situated approximately 140 kilometres west of the Philippine province of Palawan, lies within the internationally recognised exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.
The increasing frequency of such confrontations reflects China’s growing assertiveness in pursuing its territorial claims in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost in its entirety. This expansionist stance has led to heightened tensions not only with the Philippines but also with other claimants including Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Last month, China and the Philippines reached an agreement to prevent further confrontations at Second Thomas Shoal, another flashpoint in the region. However, this recent incident suggests that tensions remain high and that diplomatic efforts have yet to yield lasting stability in the contested waters.
