**Territorial dispute escalates as Philippine boat and Chinese ship collide near contested reef**
The Philippines has accused China of causing “severe damage” to the engine of one boat after using water cannon in the latest territorial dispute between the two countries in the South China Sea.
A Philippine boat and Chinese ship collided near a contested reef, sparking new tensions in the region. The Philippines said China had “harassed, blocked, and executed dangerous manoeuvres” during the incident.
The collision comes just a day after the Philippines accused China of using water cannons to obstruct three of its vessels, describing the actions as “harassment”.
The South China Sea is at the center of a territorial dispute between China, the Philippines, and other countries. The Philippines accused China of targeting Philippine civilian supply vessels in the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, a flashpoint between the two countries.
According to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, one of two boats carrying provisions was “rammed” by a Chinese coast guard ship, which also caused “severe damage” to the engine of one boat after using water cannon.
In response, the China Coast Guard accused the Philippine boat of “deliberately colliding” with the Chinese vessel after “disregarding our multiple stern warnings”.
Friction between the two countries over competing sovereignty claims has increased since Ferdinand Marcos Jr became the Philippine president last year.
The South China Sea has also become a naval flashpoint for China-US relations, and in October US President Joe Biden warned that the US will defend the Philippines in case of any attack.
Other countries including Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei also claim parts of the sea, making the region a hotbed of geopolitical tensions.