Chinese and Philippine coastguards trade blame after yet another South China Sea collision
China claims ‘illegal intrusion’ into waters near contested Sandy Cay, while the Philippines condemns ‘clear threat’ and bullying tactics
Both sides have offered conflicting accounts of the event and traded accusations of misconduct and provocation.
New collision of Chinese-Philippine ships in South China Sea
Despite “repeated stern warnings”, one of the Philippine ships allegedly “dangerously approached” a Chinese vessel, resulting in a collision “for which the Philippine side bears full responsibility”, coastguard spokesman Liu Dejun said in a statement.
Chinese forces “took control measures in accordance with the law and firmly expelled the vessels”, Liu said, describing the operation as “professional, standardised, reasonable and legal”.
Sandy Cay, a low-tide elevation, and nearby Thitu Island – known as Zhongye Island in China and Pag-asa Island in the Philippines – are part of the Spratly Islands claimed by both nations.
Beijing’s statement reaffirmed its “indisputable sovereignty” over the Spratlys, known in China as the Nansha Islands.