In the latest development in the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, the Philippines has accused China's coast guard of engaging in "dangerous maneuvers" that resulted in a collision between a Philippine coast guard vessel and a Chinese vessel during a routine resupply mission.
The collision, which occurred near the Second Thomas Shoal, has heightened concerns over territorial disputes in the region.
PCG Reports Minor Damage in Collision with Chinese Vessel
According to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Jay Tarriela, the collision caused minor structural damage to the PCG vessel.
Tarriela condemned the incident through a social media post accompanied by video clips illustrating the moment of the collision.
"This morning, China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels harassed, blocked, deployed water cannons, and executed dangerous maneuvers in another attempt to illegally impede or obstruct a routine resupply and rotation mission to BRP SIERRA MADRE (LS 57) at Ayungin Shoal," he posted on X, formerly Twitter.
The PCG vessel was part of a mission to transport provisions for Filipino troops stationed at a warship grounded on the Second Thomas Shoal in 1999, reinforcing sovereignty claims.
China's coast guard, however, maintains that the Philippine vessels illegally intruded into waters adjacent to the shoal, necessitating control measures.
China asserts sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including the Second Thomas Shoal, deploying vessels for patrol, including what Manila labels as "Chinese maritime militia," present during the resupply mission.
This incident marks the latest in a series of maritime confrontations between the Philippines and China, despite a 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling invalidating China's territorial claims.
Philippines Asserts Sovereignty Amid Escalating Tensions with China
During a forum in Australia, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reiterated his country's commitment to dialogue while asserting its sovereignty and maritime rights.
This reflects a departure from the pro-China stance adopted by Marcos's predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte. Marcos accuses Beijing of aggression within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, citing instances of water cannon use, "military-grade" lasers, and collision tactics against Philippine vessels.
Tarriela, meanwhile, reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to asserting its legal rights over its maritime zones.
"The Philippines will not be deterred from exercising our legal rights over our maritime zones, including Ayungin Shoal which forms part of our Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf," he wrote. "We demand that China demonstrate that it is a responsible and trustworthy member of the international community."
Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo called on China to cease its harassment, reiterating Manila's strategy of publicizing Chinese maneuvers in the region.
President Marcos emphasized the Philippines' resolve to defend its territory and maritime jurisdiction while advocating for dialogue and diplomacy in dispute resolution.
The South China Sea's strategic importance as a major shipping route and resource-rich area underscores the significance of resolving disputes peacefully.
