A China Coast Guard vessel collided with a Philippine government ship carrying out a fuel assistance mission for fishermen in the disputed South China Sea on Friday, damaging parts of the Philippine vessel, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.The incident took place about 54 nautical miles off Palawan province, where the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel BRP Datu Magat Salamat was delivering fuel assistance to Filipino fishermen.According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the Chinese vessel made several dangerous manoeuvres before hitting the Philippine ship at around 11.13 am local time.“The China Coast Guard deliberately rammed a civilian government vessel on a humanitarian and livelihood mission,” the Philippine Coast Guard said.
Philippine vessel damaged in collision
The impact damaged the ship’s starboard side, with sections of its railings bent, broken or torn away.Metal stanchions and support structures were also deformed, while fixtures and equipment on the deck were displaced. Debris was scattered across the vessel following the collision.
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The Philippine Coast Guard said the ship had been carrying out a mission intended to support Filipino fishermen operating in the area.China’s embassy in Manila had not immediately responded to a request for comment on the incident.
Tensions remain high in disputed waters
The latest confrontation adds to a series of incidents between Manila and Beijing in contested areas of the South China Sea.In July, the Philippines accused China of using water cannon against its government vessels near Scarborough Shoal.Manila also alleged that a Philippine Navy staff member was struck on the head with a wooden baton during an encounter near Second Thomas Shoal.The two countries have repeatedly confronted each other over competing claims in the South China Sea, with the Philippines maintaining that its vessels have the right to operate in areas within its claimed maritime zone.
