BEIJING: The Philip­pines and China accused each other on Monday of ramming vessels and performing dangerous manoe­uvres in the South China Sea.

The incident came less than two weeks after an air incident between the Chinese and Philippines militaries in Scarborough Shoal.

China’s Coast Guard said a Philippine vessel that had ignored its repeated warnings had “deliberately collided” with a Chinese vessel in an “unprofessional and dangerous” manner in the disputed waterway.

The Philippines, however, said its coast guard vessels “encountered unlawful and aggressive maneuvers” from Chinese vessels near Sabina Shoal, while on their way to supply Filipino personnel stationed in two islands.

“These dangerous man­euvers resulted in collisi­o­­ns, causing structural da­­mage to both PCG (Phili­ppine Coast Guard) vessels,” said Jonathan Mala-­ya, a spokesperson for the national security council and Manila’s South China Sea task force.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters that China would continue to take lawful “resolute and forceful measures” to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We hope that the Philippines can keep its commitments (and) earnestly abide by the temporary arrangements reached with China.”

Condemning China’s actions, US ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson tweeted that the US “stands with the Philip-pines in condemning the China Coast Guard’s dangerous manoeuvres”.

Sabina Shoal is in the Spratly Islands, which are claimed by China, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Two Philippine Coast Guard vessels “intruded” into waters adjacent to Sabina Shoal without permission in the early hours of Monday, according to China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu.

China’s Coast Guard said it took control measures against the Philippine ships in accordance with the law and warned the Philippines to “immediat­ely stop infringement and provocation”.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2024