(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) – Milan, August 31 – Tensions between China and the Philippines are rising after two Coast Guard ships collided in a disputed area of the South China Sea, with the two countries exchanging heated accusations. As reported by the BBC, the Philippines claims that a Chinese ship ‘directly and intentionally rammed’ its vessel, while Beijing responds by accusing the Philippines of ‘deliberately’ hitting the Chinese ship. The collision occurred near the Sabina Shoal and is the latest in a long-standing and growing dispute between the two countries over several islands and areas of the South China Sea. In the last two weeks, at least three other incidents involving ships from the two countries have occurred in the same area.
Sabina Shoal, claimed by China as Xianbin Jiao and by the Philippines as Escoda Shoal, is located about 75 nautical miles off the western coast of the Philippines and 630 nautical miles from China. The South China Sea is a major shipping lane through which $3 trillion in trade passes each year. Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Ars
(RADIOCOR) 31-08-24 16:05:35 (0315) 5 NNNN