A Chinese vessel deliberately rammed a Philippine government ship near Thitu Island in the South China Sea, Manila’s coast guard reported on Sunday.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region, where China claims nearly all waters despite an international ruling rejecting its extensive territorial claims.
The Philippine coast guard said the collision occurred at 9:15 a.m. when a Chinese coast guard ship first fired its water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, a government vessel managed by Manila’s fisheries bureau.
Just three minutes later, the Chinese vessel intentionally struck the stern of the Philippine boat, causing minor structural damage. No injuries were reported among the crew.
Despite the aggressive actions, Manila stressed it would not be intimidated. “We will not be driven away or deterred by these bullying tactics,” the coast guard said.
China, however, placed blame on the Philippines. Chinese coast guard spokesperson Liu Dejun said the Philippine vessel “ignored repeated stern warnings” and approached the Chinese ship dangerously, prompting the collision.
The confrontation occurred near Thitu Island, part of the Spratly Islands, where both nations maintain competing claims. China has long sought to assert sovereignty over this strategic group of islands, frequently clashing with the Philippines over fishing rights and maritime patrols.
In recent years, incidents between Chinese and Philippine ships have escalated in frequency, raising concerns about the risk of larger conflicts in the South China Sea. Analysts say these waters are vital for international trade and hold significant natural resources.
The Philippines has maintained that it will continue patrolling its claimed waters while following international law. Coast guard officials emphasized the importance of protecting Philippine fishermen and government vessels in the disputed region.
Chinese authorities, meanwhile, have defended their actions, arguing that their coast guard has the right to enforce what Beijing sees as sovereign territory. The Chinese government has repeatedly accused foreign vessels of encroaching on its waters, particularly near the Spratly and Paracel Islands.
Experts note that incidents like this could complicate diplomatic relations. Tensions in the South China Sea have implications for regional security and trade, as several countries, including the Philippines, rely on these waters for economic and strategic purposes.
Manila and Beijing have engaged in talks to prevent further escalation, but confrontations remain frequent. Both nations regularly display competing flags on disputed islands, signaling claims of sovereignty and control over the region’s resources.
The Philippine government continues to monitor the situation closely. Officials have urged calm but reiterated their commitment to defending the country’s territorial rights under international law.
The latest clash comes amid ongoing disputes over fishing rights, navigation freedom, and the presence of military and coast guard vessels in the South China Sea. Analysts warn that repeated encounters could increase the risk of misunderstandings or accidents between the two nations.
Both Manila and Beijing are under international scrutiny to manage these disputes peacefully, as any escalation could affect regional stability and international trade routes.
The Philippine coast guard stated that while the damage to the BRP Datu Pagbuaya was minor, the incident demonstrates the persistent risks faced by government and civilian vessels in contested waters.
As tensions persist, observers urge both nations to strengthen communication and establish clear protocols for maritime encounters to prevent future collisions.
