Philippine and Chinese authorities have traded accusations of intentionally ramming each other’s coast guard ships in disputed areas of the South China Sea.
The Philippine Coast Guard said on Saturday that one of its large patrol ships was hit by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel at Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands. The patrol ship was provided by Japan in 2022.
The Philippine side released videos of the incident. Authorities explained that the Chinese vessel crossed in front of the patrol ship and hit it. They said the same vessel went around the back of the ship several minutes later and collided with it again.
Philippine authorities also claimed that the Chinese vessel then rammed into the side of the patrol ship and damaged the body.
A China Coast Guard spokesperson said in a statement that the Philippine side deliberately collided with the Chinese vessel in a dangerous manner. The statement says its vessel was engaging in law enforcement operations.
The spokesperson added that the Philippines bears full responsibility.
Philippine authorities have sent the Japanese-supplied patrol ship to monitor the shoal since April, as they said they had found signs of China’s attempt to reclaim land in the area. They said it was the first time for that ship to encounter a collision.