China's coast guard reported a collision between a Chinese vessel and a Philippine supply ship on Monday at the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, placing blame squarely on the Philippines. According to China, the incident occurred near the contested Second Thomas Shoal, where a Philippine supply ship allegedly disregarded repeated warnings from China and approached a Chinese vessel in a manner deemed unprofessional, leading to the collision during normal navigation.

The Philippines government has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. Tensions between China and the Philippines have been ongoing over territorial disputes in the Spratly Islands. The Philippines asserts that the shoal falls within its internationally recognised exclusive economic zone and cites a 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated China's claims in the South China Sea.

The latest clash marks another episode in the ongoing disputes over one of the world’s most contentious maritime regions, following a similar incident in March this year. Chinese coast guard ships and suspected militia vessels have been accused of employing powerful water cannons and obstructive tactics that have resulted in injuries to Filipino Navy personnel and damage to their supply boats. These actions have exacerbated diplomatic tensions between China and the Philippines.

The confrontations primarily occur in the South China Sea, where competing territorial claims have led to frequent maritime standoffs and confrontations. The Philippines has repeatedly voiced concerns over what it perceives as aggressive actions by Chinese forces in asserting territorial claims in areas like the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal.

In March this year, the Philippines reported that Chinese coast guard ships, supported by a military helicopter, attempted unsuccessfully to block two Philippine government vessels carrying scientists from accessing two sandbars in the disputed South China Sea.

The South China Sea is subject to overlapping territorial claims by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei, leading to occasional brief confrontations. However, tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated since last year, resulting in minor sea collisions and injuries to Filipino crew members, sparking verbal disputes.

Meanwhile, the Philippines has formally requested a United Nations body to recognise the extent of its undersea continental seabed in the South China Sea. This recognition would grant the Philippines exclusive rights to exploit resources in the area, according to a statement from its Department of Foreign Affairs issued on Saturday.

Image source: ABC News