BEIJING. The South China Sea became the latest flashpoint in an escalating conflict between China and the Philippines, as both nations accused each other of intentionally ramming coast guard vessels near the disputed Sabina Shoal on Saturday. This incident marks the fifth maritime confrontation in a month between the two countries, underscoring the ongoing tensions in the strategically vital waterway.
The collision occurred in a region where Beijing claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, a claim that extends to areas also claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The South China Sea is not only a critical passage for global trade, with an estimated $3 trillion in goods transiting annually, but it is also believed to be rich in oil, natural gas deposits, and fish stocks.
Despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which found China’s expansive claims to have no legal basis, Beijing has continued to assert its dominance in the area, leading to frequent clashes with other claimant nations.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela presented videos of Saturday’s confrontation at a press conference, accusing the China Coast Guard of “directly and intentionally” ramming the 97-meter (320-foot) Teresa Magbanua, one of the Philippines’ largest coast guard cutters. “The Chinese vessel’s actions were unprovoked and resulted in significant damage to our ship,” Tarriela stated. Despite the damage, no personnel were injured.
In response, China’s coast guard spokesperson Liu Dejun issued a statement accusing the Philippine ship, which he described as “illegally stranded” at the shoal, of deliberately ramming a Chinese vessel after lifting anchor. Liu warned that the Philippines must “withdraw immediately or bear the consequences” and emphasized that the Chinese coast guard would “take all necessary measures to resolutely thwart any acts of provocation, nuisance, and infringement” to protect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
Tarriela, however, made it clear that Manila has no intention of withdrawing its vessel “despite the harassment, bullying activities, and escalatory actions of the Chinese coast guard.”
The incident drew a strong response from the United States, a treaty ally of the Philippines. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, condemned what she described as “multiple dangerous violations of international law by the PRC, including today’s intentional ramming.” Her statement, shared on the social media platform X, reaffirmed Washington’s support for the Philippines.
The Sabina Shoal, located 75 nautical miles off the coast of the Philippine province of Palawan, has been a site of contention since Manila deployed a ship there in April. The Philippines accused Beijing of constructing an artificial island and documented evidence of crushed coral on the sandbars, which China has denied.
Tensions further escalated this week as the Philippine maritime council reported unsafe maneuvers by Chinese aircraft against a civilian plane conducting patrols over other disputed areas, including the Scarborough Shoal and Subi Reef. Additionally, Manila accused China of blocking a routine resupply mission on Sunday, alleging that Chinese vessels used water cannons and rammed a fisheries bureau ship transporting food, fuel, and medical supplies for Filipino fishermen.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
