China-Philippines ship collision
Last Updated on August 20, 2024 9:50 am
Chinese and Philippine ships have clashed in disputed waters in the South China Sea. The clash happened around 3:24 am (local time) on Monday, Qatar-based media Al Jazeera reported. However, both countries blamed each other for this incident.
China’s coast guard has alleged that a Philippine ship deliberately collided with a Chinese ship in disputed waters despite repeated Chinese warnings. China’s coastguard posted a video on social media. Whereas the Chinese vessel has been identified as a Coast Guard vessel. According to a statement from China’s Maritime Safety Department, the Philippine ship tried to enter the waters of Sabina Shoal but was intercepted. It then moves to the Second Thomas Shoal.
Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu alleged that two Philippine Coast Guard vessels illegally entered the waters of Sabina Shoal. He said the Philippines has repeatedly provoked and violated the tentative agreement between China and the Philippines. A spokesman for the Philippine Coast Guard declined to immediately comment. China’s coast guard has warned that the Philippines must stop its provocative actions. Otherwise they will be responsible for all the consequences. Beijing claims most of the South China Sea, including waters and islands near its neighbors’ coasts. By doing so they ignore the decision of an international tribunal.
According to the tribunal, their claim has no legal basis. China has deployed ships to patrol the waters and built artificial islands and military installations to bolster its position. Annual maritime trade of 3 trillion dollars takes place in this waterway. Where the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei also have ownership. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration said China’s claim had no basis.
Meanwhile, relations between Manila and Beijing have soured in recent months over several incidents in the waters. Including two collisions between Philippine and Chinese boats. Besides, the countries blamed each other.