A new collision between Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels in the South China Sea raises tensions, despite an interim pact aimed at easing maritime disputes.
Bollywood Fever: Tensions between China and the Philippines escalated once again in the South China Sea after vessels from both nations’ coast guards collided on Monday morning, marking the latest incident in the contested waters.
The clash suggests that the maritime conflict between the two countries remains highly volatile, despite a recent interim agreement intended to mitigate such disputes.
The collision occurred near Sabina Shoal, with the Chinese Coast Guard accusing the Philippine vessels of “illegally” attempting to enter the area.
According to statements released on the Chinese Coast Guard’s official WeChat account, one of the Philippine ships “ignored” multiple warnings and “deliberately collided with” a Chinese vessel in what Beijing described as an “unprofessional, dangerous manner.” Videos of the encounter were also shared by Chinese authorities.
On the other side, the Philippines reported encountering “unlawful and aggressive maneuvers” from Chinese coast guard vessels, resulting in structural damage to both vessels involved in the incident.
Jonathan Malaya, Assistant Director General of the Philippine National Security Council, confirmed the damage during a forum streamed online.
This latest clash adds to the ongoing tensions between Beijing and Manila, both of which have competing claims in the South China Sea.
Earlier this month, the Philippines lodged a diplomatic protest against China after two Chinese air force aircraft allegedly performed “dangerous” maneuvers near a Philippine Air Force plane over Scarborough Shoal, another disputed area.
The Chinese Coast Guard accused the Philippines of violating interim arrangements regarding the Second Thomas Shoal by “repeatedly provoking a fight,” warning Manila to cease its “infringement and provocation” immediately.
China also stated that after the initial collision, the two Philippine ships attempted to enter waters around the Second Thomas Shoal, prompting Beijing to take “control measures” against them, although no further details were provided.
This ongoing series of incidents underscores the fragile state of relations between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, with each nation holding firm to its territorial claims despite efforts to de-escalate tensions.
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