New Clash in the South China Sea: Chinese Ship Damages Philippine Vessel

In the South China Sea, a Chinese coast guard vessel deliberately rammed a Philippine ship near the Spratly Islands.

The incident occurred amid ongoing tensions in the strategically important region, according to a representative of the Philippine Coast Guard.

On October 12th, the Philippines and China exchanged mutual accusations over the maritime incident near the disputed islands. The event marks a new escalation in the long-standing territorial conflict over control of the resource-rich waters.

The Philippine side stated that a Chinese coast guard vessel had fired a water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, a ship belonging to Manila’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. The incident occurred at 9:15 a.m. local time on Sunday.

Three minutes after the water cannon attack, the same Chinese vessel deliberately rammed the stern of the Philippine ship. As a result of the collision, the vessel sustained minor structural damage, but no crew members were injured.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the incident took place near Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, which is part of the Spratly archipelago. Beijing has been attempting to assert control over this territory for many years.

In response, the Chinese Coast Guard claimed that the Philippine vessel had allegedly entered waters near Sandy Cay reef, ignored multiple warnings, and approached the Chinese ship in a dangerous manner.

“Full responsibility lies with the Philippine side,” said spokesperson Liu Dejun in an online statement.

Photos and videos released by the Philippine side show a Chinese vessel equipped with a water cannon pursuing a ship of the Philippine Coast Guard.

“Despite intimidation tactics and aggressive actions, we will not be bullied or driven away,” the Philippine Coast Guard emphasized.

Last month, the Manila government reported that one person had been injured after a Chinese vessel had fired a water cannon at the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang near the China-controlled Scarborough Shoal.

In August, a Chinese military vessel collided with one of its own coast guard ships while pursuing a Philippine patrol boat in the same area. China gained control over these waters following a prolonged standoff in 2012. Manila firmly rejects Beijing’s plans to establish a ‘marine sanctuary’ there, viewing it as a step toward further territorial occupation.