Title: Philippines Accuses China of Intentionally Colliding with Vessels in South China Sea Dispute
Date: October 23, 2023
Manila, Philippines – Tensions between the Philippines and China escalated on Monday as the Philippines accused Chinese coastguard vessels of deliberately colliding with its vessels during a resupply mission in the disputed South China Sea. The incident, which took place near the Second Thomas shoal, marked a significant deterioration in bilateral ties between the Southeast Asian nation and Beijing.
Both countries traded accusations following the collision on Sunday. China claimed that the Philippine boats had “bumped dangerously” into Chinese coastguard vessels and nearby Chinese fishing vessels. However, the Philippines firmly refuted these claims, stating that the collision was intentional and violated international law.
In response to China’s accusations, the Chinese embassy in Manila lodged stern representations to the Philippines, accusing its vessels of trespassing and called on the Philippines government to cease causing trouble and provocation at sea. This exchange further strained relations between the two nations.
Meanwhile, officials from the Philippine national security council, coastguard, foreign ministry, defense ministry, and armed forces condemned the actions of the Chinese coastguard. Expressing support for its ally, the United States issued a statement formally expressing concern over China’s maritime actions and reiterated its support for the Philippines.
United States National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, in a conversation with his Philippine counterpart Eduardo Ano, described China’s actions as “dangerous and unlawful.” He also assured the Philippines of U.S. support following the incident.
During a news conference, Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro labeled the collision as a serious escalation of China’s illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea and a violation of international law. Teodoro expressed gratitude for the condemnation of China’s aggression and expansionist actions by like-minded nations such as the United States, Japan, Australia, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
Since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. came to power in 2022, the Philippines has adopted a more pro-U.S. stance and increased its diplomatic protests against China’s aggressive behavior in the South China Sea. The resupply missions are conducted to support a small contingent of Philippine troops stationed aboard an aging warship deliberately grounded on the Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert Manila’s sovereignty claims.
The shoal, which is within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone, holds strategic importance due to its location on one of the world’s busiest trade routes. Sunday’s incident marked the first instance of Chinese vessels deliberately colliding with resupply ships, thereby intensifying tensions in the disputed waters.
The Philippines denounced China’s claim to jurisdiction or authority in its exclusive economic zone, emphasizing that the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague had concluded in 2016 that Beijing’s expansive claim to the South China Sea was baseless. China, however, maintains that it does not accept any claim or action based on the court’s ruling.
As the dispute escalates, the international community remains concerned about the potential ramifications of increasing tensions in the South China Sea.
[Reporting by Enrico dela Cruz and Karen Lema; Additional reporting by Ethan Wang and Liz Lee in Beijing, and Susan Heavey in Washington; Editing by Gerry Doyle, Simon Cameron-Moore, and Bill Berkrot]