China, Philippines trade accusations of ramming ships in South China Sea

Tensions in the South China Sea have increased again as China and the Philippines accused each other of ramming their ships in the disputed area.

China’s coastguard on Saturday said a Philippine ship, “illegally stranded” at the Sabina Shoal, “deliberately rammed” a Chinese vessel. The Philippine coastguard said a Chinese vessel had “intentionally rammed” one of Manila’s ships.

Liu Dejun, a spokesman for China’s coastguard, said it will take steps “to resolutely thwart all acts of provocation, nuisance and infringement and resolutely safeguard the country’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” according to Al Jazeera.

No injuries were reported as a result of the collisions.

Notably, the disputed Escoda (Sabina) Shoal is claimed by the Philippines to be within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). It is located 140 km west of the Philippine island of Palawan and about 1,200 km from Hainan Island, the closest Chinese landmass.

Earlier also, a Philippines Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel, the ‘BRP Datu Sanday’ (MMOV 3002), had encountered “aggressive and dangerous manoeuvres” from eight Chinese Coast Guard ships while operating from Hasa-Hasa Shoal to Escoda Shoal,” news outlet PNA had reported. (ANI)