Tension erupts, Chinese and Philippine ships collided near disputed shoals in the South China Sea
BEIJING (AP) – The Chinese Coast Guard was intentionally beating one of its ships near the Scarborough Shoal on Tuesday, a disputed territory claimed by both countries in the South China Sea. The Philippines denied this, saying Chinese troops used powerful water cannons that damaged their ships and injured crew members.
More than 10 Philippine government ships from all directions entered the waters around the shallows, known as the Chinese, a statement from the Chinese Coast Guard said. It said it deployed water cannons to the ship.
The encounter comes six days after China announced that it would designate a portion of Scarborough Shoal as a National Nature Reserve. The Philippine government called Shoal Bajo de Masinloc has raised diplomatic protests.
China and the Philippines have repeatedly clashed over the outcrops of the South China Sea, with almost all claiming it. These two countries are several countries with competitive claims on the territory in the waters, which are strategically important and valuable fishing grounds.
The Philippines Coast Guard said two Chinese Coast Guards attacked a Philippine fishing vessel, BRP Datu Gumbay Piang, whose powerful water cannon lasted for nearly 30 minutes, “causing huge damage,” including the captain’s cabin and bridge. It said a glass window was broken and injured, and the hydraulics caused a short circuit that affected the power outlet and five outdoor air conditioning units.
The Philippine Coast Guard said a Chinese naval warship also broadcast a broadcast notification “announces live fire exercises” in the shallows, which caused panic among Filipino fishermen.
Philippine Coast Guard and fishery vessels were deployed to the shallows on Tuesday to provide fuel, water, ice and other assistance to 35 fishing boats in the area.
Several friendly countries support Philippine nature reserves.
A statement from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Chinese action “is another mandatory move to advance seats and maritime claims in the South China Sea at the expense of neighboring countries.”
The UK and Australia also expressed concern, with the Philippines’ Canadian embassy saying it opposed attempts to use environmental protection to control the controversial Scarborough Shoals.
