The Philippine military accused China on Tuesday of causing a collision between two Chinese navy and coast guard vessels as they tried to push away Philippine coast guard ships and fishermen from the contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. Authorities said they will evaluate how to respond to what they described as Beijing’s use of military force against civilians.
Philippine officials reported that Monday’s collision caused significant damage to the Chinese vessels and possibly injured crew members.
This incident marks the latest escalation in a long-standing territorial dispute in the South China Sea, an area frequently tense due to overlapping claims.
The United States, a longtime ally of the Philippines, condemned China’s “reckless action” against a Philippine vessel.
China’s coast guard blamed Philippine vessels for entering what it called “China’s inherent territory” near the shoal and said it was forced to expel them after repeated warnings. However, China did not mention the collision or any injuries.
Video released by the Philippine coast guard shows a Chinese navy ship, identified by bow number 164, crashing into a Chinese coast guard ship while both were blocking a Philippine patrol boat, the BRP Suluan, from approaching Scarborough Shoal. The footage also shows the coast guard ship firing a water cannon.
The Chinese coast guard ship’s bow was badly damaged, with visible personnel on board moments before the crash. The navy ship sustained deep dents and scratches on its hull.
The BRP Suluan offered medical assistance to the Chinese coast guard via radio, concerned about possible injuries, but received no reply.
Chinese coast guard spokesperson Gan Yu stated that Philippine vessels had intruded into Chinese waters near the shoal, prompting China’s forces to monitor, intercept, and expel them.
Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of staff of the Philippine Armed Forces, told reporters the video clearly shows the Chinese navy ship attempted to ram the BRP Suluan, which evaded the collision, causing the navy ship to strike the coast guard ship instead.
Brawner said China’s aggressive tactics were evident and blamed them for the incident. He emphasized that the Philippines’ presence was to protect Filipino fishermen who traditionally fish in Scarborough Shoal.
He noted that China’s use of military force against civilians marks a change in strategy and said the Philippine military would consult with the coast guard and seek guidance from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. before deciding on a response.
“Now they are deploying their PLA navy, which shows China’s growing aggression,” Brawner said, referring to China’s People’s Liberation Army. “We will consider possible steps and tactics to counter their actions that aim to block our access.”
China did not immediately respond to Brawner’s comments, but Gan Yu reaffirmed the coast guard’s commitment to defending China’s territorial claims and maritime interests.
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