In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, Chinese coast guard vessels fired water cannons and engaged in aggressive maneuvers against a Philippine fisheries boat on Sunday, leading to a collision.
The incident, which took place near the disputed Sabina Shoal, is the latest in a series of confrontations between China and the Philippines in these contested waters, where both nations have increased their maritime presence amidst rising hostilities.
The Chinese coast guard claims that its actions were defensive, taken after a Philippine vessel entered waters around Sabina Shoal without permission and disregarded repeated warnings. According to Chinese coast guard spokesperson Gan Yu, the Philippine ship approached “unprofessionally” and “dangerously,” resulting in a minor collision between the two vessels. Gan also accused the Philippine vessel of carrying journalists to manipulate the narrative of the confrontation.
“The responsibility is entirely on the Philippine side,” Gan declared, issuing a stern warning that the Philippines must cease its “infringement and provocation” or face consequences. He did not, however, provide details on the specific measures China might take in response.
In contrast, the Philippine government described a much more threatening scenario. A task force overseeing the nation’s territorial disputes reported that the BRP Datu Sanday, a vessel from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, was met with “aggressive and dangerous maneuvers” by eight Chinese maritime vessels as it approached Sabina Shoal. The Philippine boat, which was on a mission to deliver supplies to local fishermen, experienced engine failure due to the encounter, complicating its mission to provide essential diesel, food, and medical supplies.
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