Vessel collision raises tensions between China, Philippines

Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels collided on Monday near the Sabina Shoal, heightening their territorial dispute in the South China Sea. The clash is the first direct confrontation over this contested area. 

China claims the shoal, while the Philippines includes it in its Exclusive Economic Zone.

Conflicting accounts of the incident
Chinese officials blame the Philippine vessels for “unprofessional and dangerous” behavior. 

Philippine authorities accused Chinese vessels of aggressive maneuvers, causing damage to two Philippine boats, including a hole and minor structural damage.

Over 100 skirmishes between Chinese and Philippine ships have been reported across the South China Sea this year.

The broader dispute involves China’s claim over most of the South China Sea, including the Spratly Islands, without international legal support.