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China and Philippines Accuse Each Other of Ship Ramming in Disputed South China Sea
Tensions flare in the South China Sea as China and the Philippines accuse each other of deliberately ramming ships at Sabina Shoal.
ND
by News Desk
2024-08-31
China and Philippines Accuse Each Other of Ship Ramming in Disputed South China Sea

China and the Philippines have accused each other of deliberately ramming ships at the contested Sabina Shoal. The maritime confrontation highlights the ongoing friction over the strategically significant and resource-rich waters.

 

On Saturday, China's coastguard reported that a Philippine vessel, which it claimed was “illegally stranded” at the Sabina Shoal, had “deliberately rammed” a Chinese ship. Conversely, the Philippine coastguard countered that a Chinese vessel had “intentionally rammed” one of its own ships. Both parties reported no injuries from the incidents.

 

The Sabina Shoal, located approximately 140 km west of the Philippine island of Palawan and 1,200 km from Hainan Island, falls within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The shoal is a critical location for Philippine resupply missions to its garrison on the nearby Second Thomas Shoal.

 

Liu Dejun, a spokesperson for China’s coastguard, emphasized China’s stance on its maritime sovereignty, stating that China would take measures to “resolutely thwart all acts of provocation and infringement.” China maintains “indisputable sovereignty” over the disputed waters.

 

On the other hand, Philippine coastguard spokesman Jay Tarriela criticized the Chinese actions, describing them as violations of collision regulations. Tarriela detailed that the ramming involved multiple impacts on the Philippine vessel, causing damage despite its lawful presence in the area.

 

The incidents follow a recent altercation where China’s coastguard reportedly rescued Filipino personnel who had fallen overboard after a ship collision. Earlier in June, a Filipino sailor was injured during a clash involving Chinese coastguard members and a Philippine Navy attempt to resupply a garrison.

 

The South China Sea, rich in oil, natural gas, and fisheries, is a critical global trade route where approximately $3 trillion worth of goods pass annually. China’s sweeping claims over nearly the entire sea conflict with claims from the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

 

A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration dismissed China’s expansive claims, a decision Beijing has firmly rejected. In response, China has bolstered its maritime presence to assert its territorial claims, further straining relations with neighboring nations and intensifying regional tensions.
Tagged:

China

Philippines

SouthChinaSea

GlobalTrade

SabinaShoal

MaritimeDispute
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