China and the Philippines have blamed each other after a collision between their coastguard ships, in a new flashpoint between the countries.
The confrontation in the South China Sea happened near Sabina Shoal, a disputed area in the Spratly Islands where overlapping claims are also made by Vietnam and Taiwan.
Officials from the Philippines accused the Chinese of “dangerous manoeuvres” and said two of its coastguard vessels – the BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engano – had been damaged.
The Philippines said extensive damage had been caused to the outside of one of its vessels. Pic: Philippine coastguard via AP
China’s coastguard accused the Philippines of deliberately crashing one of its ships into their vessel.
No injuries were reported by either nation.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, of the Philippine coastguard, said: “This is the biggest structural damage we have incurred as a result of the dangerous manoeuvres carried out by the Chinese coastguard.”
The Philippines said it “stands firm” in trying to “ensure the safety and security” of its vessels while facing any “threats” to its national interests.
The Philippine coastguard released photos of the damage to its vessels. Pic: Philippine coastguard via AP
Gan Yu, spokesman for the Chinese coastguard, said: “The Philippine side is entirely responsible for the collision.
“We warn the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringement and provocation, otherwise it will bear all the consequences arising from that.”
The spokesman claimed a Philippine ship was turned away from Sabina Shoal and had entered waters near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, ignoring the Chinese coastguard’s warnings.
“The Chinese coastguard took control measures against the Philippine ship in accordance with law and regulation,” he added.
Sabina Shoal lies about 87 miles west of the Philippines’ island province of Palawan and has increasingly become a new flashpoint in the territorial disputes with China.
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Why has South China Sea become so contentious?
China and the Philippines reached an agreement last month in a deal which was hoped would prevent further confrontations over disputed territory in the South China Sea.
A week later, the Philippine navy transported food and personnel without incident to the Second Thomas Shoal, renewing hopes tensions had started to ease.