China Another ship collision in the South China Sea
There has been another ship collision in the dispute between the Philippines and China over territorial claims in the South China Sea. According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the incident occurred on Saturday morning near the Sabina Shoal shoal, which is part of the Spratly Islands claimed by both China and the Philippines. Both countries blamed each other for the collision. No injuries were reported.
31.08.2024, 13:16
SDA
"The Chinese Coast Guard conducted dangerous maneuvers even though it was not provoked," said a spokesman for the Philippine Coast Guard. A Chinese ship had rammed the Philippine "BRP Teresa Magbanua" three times, causing considerable damage. China, on the other hand, considered the Philippines to be "entirely" responsible for the incident. The "BRP Teresa Magbanua" collided with the Chinese ship in an "unprofessional and dangerous manner", the coast guard said.
Growing tensions
Just two weeks ago, two Philippine Coast Guard supply ships collided with two Chinese ships near Sabina Shoal. According to the Philippine armed forces, the Chinese air force also conducted dangerous maneuvers over the disputed Scarborough Reef in mid-August. Chinese aircraft are said to have used several flares near a Philippine Air Force transport plane that was on a routine patrol.
China claims practically the entire South China Sea for itself. However, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also claim territories there. The resource-rich area is also considered an important global trade route. The USA and China's neighbors accuse Beijing of increasingly militarizing the region.
