A Philippine ship collided with a Chinese vessel near Second Thomas Shoal, with China Coast Guard accusing the Philippine ship of illegally entering and dangerously approaching the Chinese vessel. The incident occurred during a resupply mission to a navy vessel on the atoll claimed by both Beijing and Manila.
The Chinese coastguard claimed the Philippine ship ignored warnings and collided with their vessel. The Philippines had not issued a statement by noon. The collision follows China’s new coastguard rules allowing detention of trespassers for up to 60 days, which came into effect recently.
Manila intentionally grounded the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal in 1999, leading to multiple stand-offs. The recent tensions highlight Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, leading to criticisms from the Group of Seven summit.
China claims most of the South China Sea, contested by neighboring countries. The Philippines recently challenged China’s territorial claims by submitting a claim for an extended continental shelf, challenging China’s dominance.