Philippine and Chinese ships collide in latest confrontation over atoll in South China Sea

2024-03-05 07:32:02

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Coast guard ships from China and the Philippines collided Tuesday in the South China Sea in the latest confrontation between the two nations over disputed waters, as Southeast Asian leaders prepared for a summit in Australia. where alarm is expected to rise over Beijing’s aggression at sea.

The Chinese Coast Guard vessels and other accompanying vessels impeded the passage of Philippine vessels in front of a disputed atoll and carried out dangerous maneuvers that resulted in a minor collision between a Chinese coast guard vessel and one of the two Philippine vessels, according to the spokesman for the Philippine agency, Commodore Jay Tarriela. The BRP Sindangan suffered minor structural damage, he noted without providing further details.

Tarriela’s post on between ships of both coast guards and the ships that accompanied them.

The Philippine Coast Guard was escorting Navy personnel aboard two civilian supply ships, one of which was hit by a Chinese water cannon, said Philippine military spokesman Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, who He noted that it was not immediately clear if any crew members were injured or if the vessel was damaged.

“During the operation, Philippine coast guard vessels faced dangerous maneuvers and blockade by Chinese coast guard vessels and Chinese maritime militia,” Tarriela said. “Their recklessness and illegal actions led to a collision.”

For its part, the Chinese Coast Guard explained in a statement that it “took control measures in accordance with the law once morest Philippine oxen that illegally entered the waters adjacent to Ren’ai Reef,” the name Beijing uses for the atoll. Ayungin.

A Chinese coast guard spokesman said a Philippine vessel deliberately rammed one of the Chinese vessels, causing a minor scratch.

Territorial disputes in the South China Sea, simmering for years, are expected to be discussed at a summit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Australia in Melbourne.

1709627154
#Philippine #Chinese #ships #collide #latest #confrontation #atoll #South #China #Sea