Manila: Tensions flared in the South China Sea this week as China’s Coast Guard accused a vessel from the Philippines of deliberately ramming one of its ships near Scarborough Shoal, a highly contested area claimed by both nations.
Over 10 Philippine government ships approached the shoal, known in China as Huangyan Island, from multiple directions. In response, Chinese vessels used water cannons to repel the incoming ships, the Associated Press reported, citing the Chinese Coast Guard.
The clash comes just six days after China announced that it was designating part of Scarborough Shoal as a national nature reserve. Manila has not immediately responded to the alleged collision but had earlier signalled its intent to lodge a diplomatic protest over the declaration at what the Philippines calls Bajo de Masinloc, the report added.
Scarborough Shoal has long been a flashpoint in the South China Sea, where China claims nearly the entire waterway, while the Philippines and several other countries assert overlapping territorial rights.
The waters are strategically important, rich in fishing grounds, and serve as key maritime routes, making disputes over control particularly sensitive. In its statement, the Chinese coast guard accused the Philippines of provocative and egregious actions, holding Manila responsible for the collision.
