Chinese ship rams Philippines gov’t vessel in South China Sea: Coastguard

The Philippine Coast Guard reported that a China Coast Guard vessel rammed a Philippine government ship near Palawan province in the South China Sea. The incident occurred when the Chinese vessel allegedly performed dangerous maneuvers, cutting across the Philippine ship's path twice before colliding. The Philippine vessel, belonging to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, was on a mission to supply fuel to fishermen and sustained severe damage. No injuries were reported. China rejected the account, stating the Philippine vessel ignored warnings and altered its course. This collision is the latest in a series of confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea, as China asserts its sovereignty claims.

China and the Philippines have exchanged blame following a collision on Friday in disputed waters near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea. China's coastguard stated that a Philippine vessel, identified as No. 3015, intentionally adjusted its course and accelerated to cut across the bow of a Chinese patrol vessel, resulting in the collision. A Chinese coastguard spokesman asserted that Manila's actions severely violated international law and endangered Chinese vessels and personnel. This incident further escalates tensions in the strategic waterway.