Tensions have escalated in the South China Sea as the Chinese coast guard accuses a Philippine supply ship of dangerously approaching a Chinese vessel near the Second Thomas Shoal. The incident, which resulted in a slight collision, has sparked a war of words between the two countries.
According to the Chinese coast guard, the Philippine transport and replenishment ship illegally intruded into waters adjacent to the Second Thomas Shoal and ignored repeated warnings before deliberately approaching the Chinese ship in an unprofessional manner. However, Manila has vehemently rejected these claims, labeling them as “deceptive and misleading.”
Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the Philippine armed forces’ public affairs office, stated that they would not dignify China’s claims and emphasized that the main issue remains China’s illegal presence and actions within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Philippine military also pointed out that the continued aggressive actions of the China Coast Guard are escalating tensions in the region.
The incident at the Second Thomas Shoal is part of a broader pattern of disputes between China and the Philippines over maritime territories. The atoll, located within the Philippines’ EEZ, has been a focal point of contention, especially during resupply missions for Filipino soldiers stationed aboard a grounded warship there.
China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, which overlap with territories claimed by several other countries including the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, have long been a source of regional friction. The recent incident comes amid China’s implementation of new rules, effective June 15, allowing its coast guard to use lethal force against foreign ships in waters it claims.
Sources By Agencies
