Chinese and Philippine vessels collided Sunday near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, prompting an exchange of accusations between the two nations and a U.S. statement of support for Manila.
Korea | Chinese and Philippine vessels collided Sunday near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, prompting an exchange of accusations between the two nations and a U.S. statement of support for Manila.
Manila accused a Chinese coast guard vessel of blocking and colliding with a Philippine supply ship heading toward a military base on Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands chain. A Philippine patrol ship accompanying the supply vessel was also impacted by what it called a Chinese maritime militia boat.
No shots were fired, and no injuries were reported. But the Philippines called China’s actions “dangerous, irresponsible, and illegal,” and said the lives of crew members had been endangered.
China’s Maritime Safety Administration responded by insisting that the Philippines was fully responsible for the incident and that the supply ship had crossed the bows of the Chinese coast guard ships.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay L.
