China and Philippines accuse each other of ship ramming in South China sea
Tensions in the South China Sea escalated on Saturday as China and the Philippines accused each other of deliberately ramming their ships in a contested area.
China’s coast guard alleged that a Philippine vessel, which it claims was “illegally stranded” at Sabina Shoal, had intentionally rammed a Chinese ship. In response, the Philippine coast guard contended that a Chinese vessel had “intentionally rammed” one of their ships, resulting in damage but no reported injuries.
The South China Sea, a crucial maritime corridor where $3 trillion in trade passes annually, is a flashpoint for regional tensions. China asserts extensive claims over the sea, which overlap with claims from the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The area is also believed to hold significant reserves of oil, natural gas, and fish stocks.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China’s expansive claims had no legal basis, a decision Beijing continues to reject. China’s coast guard spokesperson Liu Dejun demanded that the Philippines withdraw from the shoal, emphasizing China’s commitment to safeguarding its “territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.”
Philippines Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela criticized the Chinese actions, stating that the Chinese vessel had ignored collision regulations and executed dangerous maneuvers.
The incident underscores the ongoing volatility in the South China Sea, highlighting the persistent and deepening disputes over territorial claims in the region.
