Collision near Sabina Shoal sparks fresh escalation between China and the Philippines

China and the Philippines exchanged blame over a clash on Friday in disputed waters in the South China Sea, further fuelling tensions over the strategic waterway that has become a dangerous regional flashpoint.

In a brief statement released on Friday afternoon, China’s coastguard accused a Philippine vessel of deliberately ramming a Chinese patrol vessel near the contested Sabina Shoal.

“Philippine vessel No 3015 intentionally adjusted its course and suddenly accelerated to cut across the bow of the Chinese coastguard vessel, resulting in a collision,” said Jiang Lue, a Chinese coastguard spokesman.

Manila’s actions “severely violated international law and basic norms governing international relations, endangering the safety of Chinese vessels and personnel”, Jiang added.

Demanding that Manila immediately cease all “infringements and provocations”, Jiang warned that the Philippines would bear full responsibility for any escalation and that Chinese law-enforcement forces would continue their operation to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights.