The Philippines on Sunday accused a Chinese ship of deliberately ramming a Philippine vessel docked near an island in the disputed South China Sea.
According to Manila, Chinese maritime forces used water cannon and rammed a Filipino government ship near Thitu Island. Philippine officials described the incident as a “clear threat” from Beijing.
Such collisions between Chinese and Philippine ships have become common in recent years. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a vital route for more than $3 trillion (€2.58 trillion) in annual ship trade.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that most of China’s claims in the South China Sea, particularly over its resources, have no basis in international law. It was a historic victory for the Philippines, but almost a decade later the issue remains and China is increasing pressure on Manila and other naval rivals to comply with Beijing’s stance.
Parts of the waters are also claimed by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.
Tensions between Manila and Beijing have been rising throughout the year, particularly over key fishing grounds in disputed waters.
What did the Philippines say?
The Philippine Coast Guard said three ships, including the government’s BRP Datu Pagbuya. The local fishermen were anchored near a Manila-controlled island as part of a government program to protect them when a Chinese vessel approached and threatened them using water cannon.
An hour later, the Chinese ship was said to have used water cannon directly on BRP Datu Pagbuya.
“Just three minutes later… the same (Chinese) vessel deliberately rammed the stern of the Philippine boat, causing minor structural damage but no injuries to the crew,” the coast guard statement said.
How did China react?
China has blamed the Philippines for the confrontation and said it takes “full responsibility”.
The Chinese coast guard issued a statement in response, saying that two Philippine government ships “illegally” entered the waters without permission and “dangerously” approached a coast guard ship, resulting in the collision.
It said the Chinese coast guard “lawfully” took control measures against the said vessels and expelled them.
Edited by: Darko Janjevic