Philippines says Chinese ship ‘rammed’ government vessel in South China Sea
TLE Desk: The Philippines said a China Coast Guard vessel rammed one of its fisheries department boats on Friday morning in contested waters of the South China Sea, while Beijing blamed the Philippine vessel for the incident.
The confrontation took place near a shoal in the Spratly Islands, a fish-rich flashpoint that has seen repeated clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels in recent years.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela said the Chinese vessel rammed the BRP Datu Magat Salamat while it was conducting a maritime patrol to deliver fuel subsidies to Filipino fishermen.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the Chinese vessel cut across the stern of the fisheries bureau boat at a distance of about 10 metres at 11:04 am. Nine minutes later, it repeated the manoeuvre and made contact with the Philippine vessel.
Video released by the Philippine Coast Guard showed the Chinese ship close to the stern of the boat, with a crew member heard shouting “collision”. The footage did not show the moment of impact.
China’s coast guard disputed the account, saying the Philippine vessel had ignored repeated warnings and deliberately changed course to cross in front of the Chinese ship.
Chinese coast guard spokesman Jiang Lue accused Manila of violating international law and endangering Chinese vessels and personnel. He warned the Philippines to stop what Beijing described as “infringement and provocation” or face unspecified consequences.
The Philippines and China have renewed confrontations in the South China Sea since July, following a brief period of relative calm. The tensions resurfaced as Manila hosted a meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers.
