MANILA: Tensions between the Philippines and China escalated on Sunday in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, with Manila accusing Beijing of obstructing a resupply mission intended for Filipino fishermen. This incident adds to the ongoing series of maritime confrontations between the two nations.
The Philippines reported that Chinese vessels aggressively blocked the mission, ramming and using water cannons against a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries ship carrying essential supplies. The confrontation took place near the Sabina Shoal.
China’s coast guard responded by claiming it took “control measures” against a vessel that had “illegally” entered the waters and approached Chinese ships in a dangerous manner. According to China, the Philippine ship ignored warnings and deliberately rammed a Chinese law enforcement boat, leading to the collision.
This clash occurred despite recent efforts to rebuild trust between the two countries. Last month, high-level meetings aimed to restore confidence and manage maritime disputes, including an arrangement for Manila’s resupply missions to a grounded Filipino naval ship in the South China Sea.
The Philippine task force condemned the “unprofessional, aggressive, and illegal actions” by China, which they said jeopardized the safety of the Filipino crew and their mission. They also reported that the Bureau of Fisheries vessel suffered engine failure due to the aggressive maneuvers of Chinese vessels.
The Philippines has reiterated its call for China to cease actions that destabilize regional peace and security. The United States expressed support for the Philippines, condemning China’s conduct as unsafe and unlawful. On Saturday, Manila accused Beijing of unjustifiably deploying flares from Subi Reef and reported harassment of a Philippine patrol aircraft by a Chinese jet fighter.
