Tensions in the South China Sea increased on Friday following a collision between a Chinese Coast Guard vessel and a Philippine government ship. The encounter was recorded on video, leading to differing reports from Manila and Beijing.
The Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel, BRP Datu Magat Salamat, was providing fuel to Filipino fishermen when the incident occurred. The collision happened at 11:13 a.m., approximately 54 nautical miles off the coast of Palawan province. This area is considered by Manila to be within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Video released by the Philippine Coast Guard showed crew members warning others to brace for impact just before the collision. Images taken afterward revealed damages such as bent railings and debris on the deck of the Philippine ship. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Philippine officials accused China of intentionally colliding with a civilian government vessel during a humanitarian mission.
Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard concerning the West Philippine Sea, reported that the Chinese vessel initially crossed the stern of the Philippine ship at a distance of about 33 feet. The maneuver was reportedly repeated, leading to the collision.
China, however, contested this account. Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson Jiang Lue claimed that the Philippine vessel adjusted its course suddenly to cross the bow of the Chinese ship, ignoring warnings. China maintained their ship was engaged in lawful operations near Sabina Shoal and blamed the Philippine side for the incident.
The collision drew a response from Washington. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Lee Lipton, expressed condemnation of the Chinese Coast Guard’s actions. The Chinese Embassy in Manila, in turn, accused the United States of supporting Philippine provocations.
This collision is the latest of several maritime confrontations between China and the Philippines. In July, the Philippines accused China of firing water cannons and injuring a Philippine Navy staff member in other disputes near Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal.
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