China and the Philippines have once again traded accusations over maritime aggression, this time involving allegations of deliberate ramming between their coast guard vessels near the contested Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea. This latest clash marks the ongoing tensions in the region, which remains a flashpoint in the broader territorial dispute.
On Saturday, both nations reported conflicting accounts of the confrontation, which took place in the area known as Xianbin in China and Sabina Shoal in the Philippines. According to China’s coast guard spokesperson Liu Dejun, a Philippine ship “deliberately collided” with a Chinese vessel near the shoal. Liu condemned the incident as “unprofessional and dangerous,” asserting that China maintains “indisputable sovereignty” over the zone.
Conversely, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela claimed that it was the Chinese vessel, identified as CG 5205, that “directly and intentionally rammed” the Philippine ship BRP Teresa Magbanua. Tarriela reported that the incident involved three separate collisions, causing damage to the ship but no injuries to the crew.
Sabina Shoal, located 140 kilometers west of the Philippine island of Palawan, has become a new flashpoint in the South China Sea dispute. The area is strategically important and has been a site of heightened maritime confrontations between Manila and Beijing. Recent clashes have occurred near other contested features, such as Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, further fueling tensions.
The Philippines has been particularly vigilant following the discovery of crushed coral at Sabina Shoal, raising suspicions that China may be planning to establish a permanent base in the area, which would be its closest outpost to the Philippine archipelago.
The incident is part of a broader pattern of maritime harassment, with the Philippines noting it as the fifth such encounter this month. The National Maritime Council has prepared a report on the clash, which will be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs for further action. National Maritime Council Spokesperson Alexander Lopez emphasized the Philippines’ legal claim to the area and expressed serious concern over the ongoing disputes.
Analysts suggest that China’s recent actions may be aimed at extending its control over Manila’s exclusive economic zone and normalizing its presence in contested areas. The situation remains tense as both nations navigate their maritime claims and manage their diplomatic relations in this strategically critical region.
Sources By Agencies
