A collision between a Philippine replenishment ship and a Chinese vessel occurred near the disputed Spratly Islands on Monday, June 17, according to a statement from Beijing’s Coast Guard.
This incident marks the latest in a series of confrontations in the increasingly contentious South China Sea.
China, which asserts almost total sovereignty over the South China Sea despite conflicting claims from several Southeast Asian nations and an international ruling negating its stance, reported that the Philippine ship ignored multiple warnings before the collision.
The Chinese Coast Guard accused the Philippine vessel of “illegally breaking into the sea near Ren’ai Reef in China’s Nansha Islands,” and claimed to have taken control measures in response.
Manila, however, has condemned the Chinese Coast Guard’s actions as “barbaric and inhumane.” Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has expressed deep concern over China’s new coast guard regulations, which allow for the detention of foreigners accused of trespassing in the disputed waters.
These rules took effect just two days before the collision.
This latest clash has escalated tensions in a region already fraught with geopolitical strife.
The South China Sea, a crucial maritime route with significant strategic and economic importance, sees trillions of dollars in trade annually and is believed to harbor vast untapped oil and gas reserves.
The international community, including the Group of Seven, has criticized China’s aggressive tactics in the region.
As Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei also lay claim to parts of the South China Sea, the risk of an international incident remains high.
The United States has also indicated its readiness to increase its military presence in the South China Sea in support of the Philippines and other allies, setting the stage for broader conflict.