China Accuses Philippine Ship of Deliberately Colliding with Coast Guard Vessel

Photo : Reuters

Beijing, China—In a recent escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, Beijing has accused a Philippine vessel of intentionally colliding with a Chinese coast guard ship near the disputed Sabina Shoal. This incident, which occurred on Saturday, marks the latest in a series of confrontations between the two nations over control of the economically critical waterway.

China, which asserts claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, continues to reject the competing territorial claims from neighboring countries. Despite an international court ruling that invalidated Beijing's claims, China maintains that it has "indisputable sovereignty" over the region.

The collision reportedly took place shortly after noon local time, according to a statement from a Chinese coast guard spokesperson, Liu Dejun. Liu accused the Philippine ship of "deliberately colliding" with the Chinese vessel, describing the actions of the Philippine crew as "unprofessional and dangerous." The incident occurred off Sabina Shoal, which China refers to as Xianbin Shoal, a site that has become increasingly contentious as both nations vie for control.

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Sabina Shoal is located approximately 140 kilometers west of the Philippine island of Palawan and about 1,200 kilometers from China’s Hainan Island, the nearest major Chinese landmass. The shoal has emerged as a new flashpoint in the ongoing maritime disputes, with China appearing to push deeper into the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

This incident follows at least two other collisions between Philippine and Chinese vessels near Sabina Shoal this month. Analysts suggest that China is gradually tightening its grip on the area, potentially aiming to establish another permanent presence akin to its existing bases on other disputed islands and reefs in the South China Sea.

Concerns over China’s intentions were heightened earlier this year when piles of crushed coral were discovered at Sabina Shoal, sparking fears in Manila that Beijing might be preparing to construct a new outpost. Such a move would bring Chinese forces even closer to the Philippine archipelago, further escalating tensions.

The South China Sea has long been a hotspot for territorial disputes, with the most recent clashes between Chinese and Philippine forces also occurring around the Second Thomas Shoal. In June, a Filipino sailor lost a thumb during a confrontation with Chinese coast guard members armed with knives, sticks, and an axe, who thwarted a Philippine Navy resupply mission to a small garrison on the shoal.

Sabina Shoal serves as a critical location for these resupply efforts, as Philippine forces continue to maintain a presence in the region despite Chinese opposition. The repeated confrontations have led Manila to accuse Beijing of being the "biggest disruptor" of peace in Southeast Asia. The Philippine government has called for a peaceful resolution to the disputes but remains firm in its commitment to protecting its territorial waters from what it views as Chinese encroachment.

As the situation develops, international observers continue to monitor the South China Sea closely, aware that any further escalation could have significant implications for regional stability and global trade routes. The Philippines, backed by its allies, including the United States, has vowed to defend its maritime rights, setting the stage for a potentially prolonged and volatile standoff in one of the world's most strategically important waterways.

Aug. 31, 2024 4:11 p.m. 523

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