A screengrab from a YouTube video published by Manila Standard shows escalating tensions between China and the Philippines over a series of confrontations in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippine Coast Guard has accused China's coast guard vessel 5205 of deliberately ramming one of its largest cutters, the 97-meter-long Teresa Magbanua. While the vessel was damaged, officials reported that no crew members were injured.
During a press briefing, the Philippines released video footage of the incident, asserting that the Chinese action was unprovoked. However, China's coast guard claimed that a Philippine vessel had illegally anchored at the shoal, lifted anchor, and intentionally collided with a Chinese ship. They demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Philippine vessel and warned they would take necessary measures to counter any provocation.
A Chinese official stated that their coast guard would firmly protect the nation's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. This incident marks the fifth encounter between Chinese and Philippine vessels in just the past month. Just a day prior, another clash occurred near a reef in the Spratly Islands. The Philippines' Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources reported that the Chinese Coast Guard used water cannons and sideswiped one of its research vessels, the Datu Sanday, along with a second ship. They condemned this aggressive interference, noting it was the first time their vessels faced water cannon attacks in that area.
In response, China's Coast Guard contended that the Philippine vessels had entered waters close to Subi Reef and Sandy Cay illegally. They accused the Philippines of attempting to land personnel on Sandy Cay. A video shared by Manila Standard captures these incidents.
Chinese officials insisted they acted lawfully and professionally, attributing the collision to a Philippine vessel approaching one of their ships despite repeated warnings. However, the Chinese statements did not mention the use of water cannons. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, described China's actions as aggressive, warning that they recklessly endangered lives and threatened regional stability.
Sandy Cay, located near Thitu Island—the largest and most strategically significant of the nine outposts occupied by the Philippines in the Spratly archipelago—also falls under overlapping claims from China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, and Taiwan. Last month, China claimed its Coast Guard had landed on Sandy Cay to assert sovereignty, a claim strongly denied by the Philippines.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China's expansive claims in the South China Sea lack legal basis under international law, a ruling Beijing continues to reject. Additionally, this week, the Philippine maritime council reported that Chinese aircraft performed dangerous maneuvers near a civilian plane conducting patrols over the Scarborough Shoal and Subi Reef.
On Sunday, the Philippines accused China of obstructing a resupply mission for Filipino fishermen. A vessel from the Philippine fisheries bureau, carrying food, fuel, and medical supplies, was rammed and hit with water cannons by Chinese ships. In April, Manila deployed a ship to Sabina Shoal, roughly 140 kilometers from Palawan province and about 1,200 kilometers from China's Hainan Island. Philippine officials have accused China of trying to construct an artificial island in the area, citing the discovery of piles of dead and damaged coral on the sandbars as evidence of early island development efforts, a claim Beijing denies.
Despite the ongoing clashes, Philippine officials have asserted they will not withdraw their ships from these disputed areas, criticizing what they call China's harassment, bullying tactics, and threatening behavior. The South China Sea remains a significant hotspot not only for territorial claims but also due to its strategic importance, with an estimated three trillion dollars' worth of global trade passing through it annually. The region is believed to hold substantial deposits of oil and gas, as well as rich fish stocks.
Reference: abcNet, interaksyon, Philstar.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we strive to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the website or the information.
