Tensions Escalate in South China Sea as Philippines and China Trade Accusations Over Vessel Collision

On Sunday, the Philippines and China exchanged accusations following a collision between their vessels in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. The incident adds fuel to the ongoing tensions over territorial claims in the strategically significant waterway.

The Philippine coast guard alleged that China fired water cannons and intentionally rammed resupply vessels, including a coast guard ship, resulting in “serious engine damage” to one of the vessels. In contrast, China’s coast guard claimed that the Philippine vessel deliberately rammed its ship, rejecting responsibility for the collision.

China asserts nearly the entire South China Sea, an essential route for over $3 trillion in annual ship-borne commerce. This includes areas contested by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 ruled against China’s claims, declaring them without legal basis.

The recent incident occurred near the uninhabited Second Thomas Shoal, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Tensions have been ongoing as the Philippines conducts resupply missions for soldiers stationed aboard a warship deliberately grounded in 1999 to safeguard maritime claims.

The Philippines accused China on Saturday of “illegal and aggressive actions” for firing water cannons at a civilian-operated government fishing vessel. China defended its actions as legitimate “control measures.”

China’s coast guard stated on Sunday that two Philippine vessels had “illegally entered the waters adjacent to Ren’ai Reef in the Nansha Islands without the approval of the Chinese government.” The statement claimed that the Philippine vessel intentionally rammed into a China Coast Guard vessel.

In response, the Philippine coast guard spokesperson refuted China’s account, stating that the vessel “M/L Kalayaan suffered serious engine damage” and clarified that the collision was caused by the China Coast Guard vessel.

A Philippine government task force condemned China’s “unprovoked acts of coercion,” expressing doubt about China’s commitment to peaceful dialogue. The National Task Force-West Philippine Sea reported damage to a coast guard vessel and criticized China’s actions as undermining regional stability.

U.S. Ambassador to Manila, MaryKay Carlson, criticized China’s “aggression,” stating that it undermines regional stability in defiance of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Meanwhile, around 200 Philippine fishermen, youth leaders, and civil society groups embarked on a Christmas mission to the area, organized by the Atin Ito (“This is ours”) network. However, ten fishing boats opted to withdraw from the mission, citing caution in the face of escalating tensions.