MANILA. The Philippine military on Tuesday accused China of causing a collision between a Chinese navy ship and a Chinese coast guard vessel while both were attempting to block a Philippine patrol ship and local fishermen from Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The incident, which occurred on Monday, resulted in heavy damage to the Chinese vessels and possible injuries, Philippine authorities said.
Video footage released by the Philippine coast guard shows a Chinese navy ship with bow number 164 ramming into the bow of a Chinese coast guard vessel as both moved to intercept the BRP Suluan. The Chinese coast guard vessel also deployed a water cannon. The footage captured significant damage to the bow of the coast guard ship and deep dents on the navy vessel’s hull.
According to Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the Chinese navy ship appeared to be maneuvering to ram the BRP Suluan, which swerved to avoid impact, leading the navy ship to collide with the coast guard vessel instead. He described China’s actions as “aggressive” and emphasized that the Philippine mission was solely to protect Filipino fishermen in their traditional fishing grounds.
Brawner noted that the use of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy in such operations marked a change in tactics, saying the military would assess possible countermeasures in consultation with the coast guard and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The Chinese coast guard accused the Philippines of intruding into what it called “China’s inherent territory” and claimed it had taken necessary measures to expel the vessels. It did not acknowledge the collision or possible casualties.
The United States, a treaty ally of the Philippines, condemned what it described as “the latest reckless action by China directed against a Philippine vessel.”
Chinese officials in Beijing reiterated their stance that they would continue to “resolutely safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”
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