Tensions in the South China Sea escalated on Monday as China’s Coast Guard accused a Philippine vessel of deliberately colliding with a Chinese ship.
According to Chinese authorities, the Philippine vessel ignored repeated warnings and engaged in “unprofessional and dangerous” behavior.
Following the incident near Sabina Shoal, the same Philippine vessel attempted to enter the waters near Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed territory claimed by both nations.
China’s Coast Guard spokesperson, Gan Yu, asserted that two Philippine Coast Guard vessels had illegally entered waters adjacent to Sabina Shoal without proper authorization.
Beijing has accused Manila of repeatedly provoking incidents and violating a temporary agreement reached in July to de-escalate tensions in the region.
China’s Coast Guard has taken what it describes as “control measures” against the Philippine ships, and has issued a stern warning for the Philippines to cease provocative actions or face consequences.
The Philippines Coast Guard has yet to provide a statement on the matter.
The South China Sea has been a long-standing point of contention between China and several Southeast Asian nations.
Beijing claims almost the entirety of the resource-rich waterway, a claim disputed by countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated China’s expansive claims, but Beijing has consistently rejected the decision.