Tensions between the Philippines and China flared on Monday August 19, after their vessels collided in the disputed South China Sea, just weeks after both nations agreed to manage their disputes.
Both countries exchanged blame over a series of collisions, each accusing the other of dangerous maneuvers.
China’s Coast Guard claimed that a Philippine vessel deliberately rammed a Chinese ship after ignoring repeated warnings, labeling the incident “unprofessional and dangerous”.
The Philippine government quickly disputed China’s version of events, accusing Beijing of distorting the facts.
According to the Philippines, Chinese ships engaged in “unlawful and aggressive maneuvers” against two of its coast guard vessels near Sabina Shoal. These vessels were on a mission to supply personnel stationed on Patag and Lawak Islands.
Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson for the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, confirmed that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels BRP Bagacay (MRRV-4110) and BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411) sustained structural damage after being rammed by Chinese ships early Monday.
“The Philippine Coast Guard vessels BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño encountered unlawful and aggressive maneuvers from Chinese Coast Guard vessels this morning while en route to Patag and Lawak Islands in the West Philippine Sea,” Malaya said during a forum in Manila on Monday.
“These dangerous maneuvers resulted in collisions, causing structural damage to both PCG vessels,” he added.
The PCG reported that BRP Cape Engaño collided with a Chinese Coast Guard vessel at around 3.24 am, resulting in a five-inch hole in the ship’s deck. Shortly afterward, BRP Bagacay was rammed twice, causing minor structural damage.
Despite these incidents, both PCG vessels continued their mission to deliver supplies to Filipino personnel. The collisions occurred about 20 nautical miles from Escoda Shoal, a coral reef formation located 140 kilometers west of Palawan within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Malaya expressed disappointment over the latest incident, noting that it occurred just weeks after Manila and Beijing reached an initial understanding on easing tensions over the Ayungin Shoal.
“We are, of course, disappointed again with this development coming from the preliminary understanding because we have a preliminary understanding with them in so far as Second Thomas Shoal is concerned, or BRP Sierra Madre is concerned but despite this preliminary understanding which we hope was the first page in a new chapter between the Philippines and PRC (People’s Republic of China) relations,” Malaya admitted.
Malaya emphasized that both PCG vessels remain committed to their mission of delivering essential supplies to personnel stationed on Lawak and Patag Islands. He also underscored the PCG’s determination to ensure the safety and security of the maritime domain while addressing any threats to national interests.
Malaya called for “restraint and adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other relevant international laws” to prevent further escalations and ensure the safety of all vessels operating in the region.
A Philippine Coast Guard vessel showed deck damage caused by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel, Aug. 19, 2024.
China’s maritime security accused the same Philippine vessel of attempting to enter waters near the Second Thomas Shoal after Chinese ships blocked it from entering Sabina Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands — a region claimed by China, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
China’s Coast Guard defended its actions, warning the Philippines to cease “infringement and provocation” or face consequences. The Philippine government, however, urged restraint and adherence to international law to prevent further escalation.
This latest incident followed a recent air encounter between Chinese and Philippine forces near Scarborough Shoal, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.
The Philippines expressed disappointment over the confrontation, especially after reaching a provisional agreement with China in July concerning resupply missions to the Second Thomas Shoal.
Meanwhile, Western nations have criticized China’s actions, accusing Beijing of employing aggressive tactics to block Philippine efforts to resupply troops aboard a navy ship grounded 25 years ago.
While Beijing continues to assert its claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, rejecting a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that found its expansive claims had no basis in international law, the Philippines has vowed to maintain its presence and ensure the safety of its personnel stationed in the disputed waters.
All photos credit: Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard
Top photo: A Philippine Coast Guard vessel showed deck damage caused by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel, Aug. 19, 2024.
