China and Philippines Trade Accusations After Collision in Disputed South China Sea

China and the Philippines exchanged accusations following a collision between their vessels on Saturday in the South China Sea, escalating tensions in the already disputed waters.

Chinese coast guard spokesperson Liu Dejun claimed that a Philippine ship “deliberately collided” with a Chinese coast guard vessel in a “dangerous manner.” However, Philippine officials reported that their coast guard ship, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, was rammed three times by the Chinese vessel without provocation, causing significant damage.

This incident marks the second confrontation in recent days near Sabina Shoal, located 140 kilometers west of Palawan in the Philippines internationally recognized exclusive economic zone. The Philippine vessel has been anchored there since April, amid concerns that China might attempt to construct a structure to seize the uninhabited atoll. China has filed a diplomatic protest over the ship’s prolonged presence.

As China expands its military presence and asserts its claim over nearly the entire South China Sea, confrontations with the Philippines have become more frequent. The U.S., bound by a treaty to defend the Philippines, has expressed strong support for Manila. The State Department condemned China’s “dangerous and escalatory actions” and reaffirmed its commitment to uphold international law.

Philippine Commodore Jay Tarriela stated that the Magbanua would remain anchored at Sabina Shoal despite the Chinese coast guard’s “harassment and bullying.” Video evidence released by the Philippine coast guard appears to support their claim of being rammed.

The South China Sea, a vital international trade route, is contested by multiple countries, including Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei. China has rejected a 2016 U.N.-backed arbitration ruling that dismissed most of its claims.

As tensions rise, the U.S. military, under Adm. Samuel Paparo of the Indo-Pacific Command, has signaled openness to discussions about escorting Philippine ships in the disputed waters. The increasing hostility in these confrontations has led to injuries among Filipino sailors and damage to their vessels, raising concerns about potential invocation of the U.S.-Philippines defense treaty.