Chinese and Philippine ships collided near a disputed archipelago in the South China Sea on Monday morning, according to statements from both countries, the latest in a series of clashes between the two countries. A series of maritime confrontations This has heightened tensions along this important waterway.
Both sides blamed the other for the collision, which occurred between a Chinese vessel and a Philippine supply ship near the Spratly Islands.
this Chinese state media The Philippines said the Philippine vessel “ignored numerous stern warnings” and “behaved dangerously and unprofessionally,” leading to the collision of the two ships. The Philippines said Chinese naval, coast guard and naval militia vessels had taken “illegal and aggressive actions,” including the so-called “ramming.”
Mary Kay Carlson, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines condemn She called China’s “dangerous maneuvers” and said they “caused personal injury” and damaged Philippine vessels.
The clash is the latest example of Beijing’s growing military expansion in the South China Sea, a waterway rich in natural resources and vital to international shipping.
China claims almost all of the waters, but under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who took office two years ago, the Philippines has been pushing back more aggressively against Chinese encroachment on its territorial waters.
2016 International Court of Justice ruling Second Thomas Shoal, near the site of Monday’s maritime clash, is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China refused to participate in the arbitration and has rejected the ruling.
The shoal is less than 200 nautical miles from the Philippine coastline and is anchored by a dilapidated warship, the sierra madreThe rusty, symbolic vessel has a dual mission: to assert Philippine sovereignty over the land and to try to deter further Chinese incursions.
Over the past decade, China Strengthening naval patrols In recent months, Chinese militia and coast guard vessels have been deployed in an effort to enforce their self-defined borders in the South China Sea. Already exploded The Philippines fired water cannon at the supply ship, damaging its radar and antennas and striking the hull multiple times.
Manila Seeking to prevent China pushes Philippines closer USACanada and Japan, as well as Vietnam, which also has offshore maritime disputes with Beijing.
Last year, the United States signed protocol Reached a deal with the Philippines to increase its military presence in the country to its highest level in 30 years in an effort to counter China’s growing aggressiveness.
