A collision between Chinese and Philippine coast guard ships occurred near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea early Monday, resulting in damage to at least two vessels. Both sides accused each other of causing the collision, with China claiming that the Philippines intentionally rammed its ships, while the Philippines argued that the Chinese ships were at fault. Sabina Shoal is part of the disputed Spratly Islands and has become a new flashpoint for confrontations between the two nations.
The Chinese coast guard accused the Philippines of deliberately crashing into one of its vessels and warned the Philippines to stop its infringement and provocation. On the other hand, the Philippines refuted these claims, stating that video and photographic evidence showed that the Chinese ships were responsible for the collisions. Two Philippine coast guard ships, BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño, encountered unlawful and aggressive maneuvers from Chinese coast guard vessels while en route to Patag and Lawak islands, which are occupied by Filipino forces in the contested region.
The Philippines’ National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea reported that one of the Chinese ships rammed the BRP Cape Engaño, causing a 3.6-foot hole, while another Chinese vessel rammed the BRP Bagacay twice, resulting in structural damage to both vessels. China claimed sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, including Sabina Shoal, and blamed the Philippines for the collision. The incident at Sabina Shoal follows a recent agreement between China and the Philippines to prevent further confrontations when the Philippines transports replacement sentry forces to Manila’s territorial outpost in Second Thomas Shoal, which has been guarded by Chinese coast guard ships.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also accused the Philippines of ignoring warnings and deliberately colliding with Chinese coast guard vessels during the law enforcement operations. Sabina Shoal, located near the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal, has been a point of contention between the two nations. Despite an agreement reached last month to ease tensions at Second Thomas Shoal, Monday’s collision has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the deal. The United States has expressed support for the Philippines and condemned China’s actions near Sabina Shoal, emphasizing the importance of upholding international law.
China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea have been a source of tension with several countries in the region, leading to frequent confrontations and disputes. Beijing’s assertive behavior in pursuing its maritime claims has raised concerns among its neighbors, particularly the Philippines but also Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei. The 2016 arbitration ruling by a United Nations tribunal invalidated China’s claims in the South China Sea, but Beijing rejected the ruling and continued expanding its military presence in the region. The collision near Sabina Shoal highlights the ongoing maritime disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea.
