China and the Philippines accused each other on Sunday (22) of causing collisions in a disputed area of the South China Sea – the latest in a series of maritime clashes between the two countries, which have increased regional tensions.
Philippine authorities said in a statement that a Chinese Coast Guard vessel carried out “dangerous blockade maneuvers” that caused it to collide with a Philippine vessel carrying supplies for troops stationed at Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, in the Spratly Islands.
China’s action was “provocative, irresponsible and illegal” and “endangered the safety of the crew” of Philippine boats, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said.
In a second incident on Sunday, the Philippine task force said a Chinese maritime militia ship collided with a Philippine coast guard ship, which was on the same mission to resupply the BRP Sierra Madre.
In a statement, the Chinese Coast Guard accused the Philippines of violating international maritime law and threatening the navigational safety of Chinese ships.
It accused the first Philippine ship of invading the waters of what it calls the Nansha Islands and Renai Reef, prompting the Chinese vessel to intercept “in accordance with the law” and resulting in a “minor collision.”
In the second incident, the Chinese Coast Guard said the Philippine vessel “purposefully caused trouble and reversed course,” causing a collision with a Chinese fishing boat.
Beijing claims “indisputable sovereignty” over nearly all of the 2.8 million square kilometers of the South China Sea, as well as most of the islands and shoals within it.
In 2016, an international court in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines in a historic maritime dispute, which concluded that China has no legal basis to claim historic rights over most of the South China Sea. Beijing ignored the decision.
See also: Shipwreck in the Philippines leaves at least 25 dead
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
