Chinese and Philippine Ships Collide in Disputed Waters

Collision blamed on aggressive maneuvers in disputed South China Sea
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Aug 19, 2024 8:46 AM CDT
Chinese and Philippine Ships Collide in Disputed Waters
This photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, shows damage on Philippines coast guard vessel BRP Bagacay (MRRV-4410) after a collision with a Chinese coast guard ship Monday, Aug. 19, 2024 in the disputed South China Sea.   (Philippine Coast Guard via AP)

Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels collided in the South China Sea near Sabina Shoal early Monday, raising tensions in the disputed territory. Both nations blamed each other for the incident, which saw two Philippine ships entering the contested waters. China accused the Philippines of deliberately ramming its vessel, while the Philippines cited China's aggressive maneuvers.

The incident occurred at 3:24 a.m. and caused significant damage to both Philippine ships. A hole about five inches in diameter was reported on the BRP Cape Engaño, and minor structural damage was inflicted on the BRP Bagacay, the Philippine National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea stated. "The Philippine side is entirely responsible for the collision," China's coast guard spokesman Gan Yu remarked, urging the Philippines to cease what he termed as "infringement and provocation."

Sabina Shoal, situated 140 kilometers west of Palawan, has become a hotspot in the ongoing territorial disputes between China and the Philippines. The Spratly Islands, which include Sabina, are claimed by several nations including Vietnam and Taiwan. Despite a recent agreement aimed at reducing conflicts, confrontations remain frequent. In 2016, a UN tribunal invalidated China's claims in the South China Sea, but Beijing rejected the ruling and continues to enforce what it considers its "indisputable sovereignty" over the area. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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