The Philippines and China exchanged accusations following a maritime confrontation near Thitu Island in the South China Sea on Sunday, intensifying disputes in the contested waterway.
The incident, involving a collision between vessels, highlights ongoing territorial tensions in the resource-rich Spratly Islands, a strategic trade route handling over $3 trillion in annual commerce.
The Philippine Maritime Council reported that Chinese maritime forces deployed water cannons and rammed a Filipino vessel, the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, near Thitu Island, locally known as Pag-asa.
The Philippine Coast Guard stated that three vessels were anchored to support local fishermen when Chinese ships approached at 9:15 a.m., firing water cannons.
An hour later, a Chinese coast guard ship allegedly rammed the Filipino vessel’s stern, causing minor damage but no injuries.
The Philippines condemned the actions, vowing to pursue diplomatic measures and continue operations to protect fishermen’s livelihoods.
China’s coast guard countered that two Philippine vessels illegally entered waters near Sandy Cay, a coral reef in the Thitu Reefs, causing a collision.
Beijing claimed a Philippine vessel dangerously approached a Chinese ship, holding Manila responsible.
Chinese coast guard spokesman Liu Dejun stated that the Philippine ship ignored warnings, asserting that full responsibility lies with the Philippines.
The disputed area, part of the Spratly Islands, has seen repeated confrontations, with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines also claiming portions of the waterway, despite China’s near-total claim, which a U.N.-backed tribunal ruled has no legal basis.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson condemned China’s actions as aggressive on social media platform X, while Philippine Coast Guard chief Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan emphasized Manila’s resolve to defend its territory.
The incident underscores escalating tensions, particularly around Thitu Island, the largest Philippine-occupied island in the Spratlys, home to a fishing community.