The Philippines has criticised China for what it called “dangerous manoeuvres and unlawful interference” after two Chinese vessels collided while chasing a Philippine craft in the South China Sea.
A Chinese Coastguard patrol boat hit a Chinese navy ship in the disputed Scarborough Shoal on Monday as they harassed a Philippines Coastguard patrol boat delivering supplies, including fuel and ice, to dozens of fishing boats.
Manila’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that the actions of the Chinese boats “not only posed a grave danger to Philippine personnel and vessels, but also resulted in the unfortunate collision between the two Chinese vessels”.
Philippine Coastguard spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said in a widely-reported statement: “The [China Coastguard vessel] CCG 3104, which was chasing the [Filipino Coastguard vessel] BRP Suluan at high speed, performed a risky manoeuvre from the [Philippine] vessel’s starboard quarter, leading to the impact with the PLA [People’s Liberation Army] navy warship.
“This resulted in substantial damage to the CCG vessel’s forecastle, rendering it unseaworthy.”
The Philippines Armed Forces’ Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner told reporters on Tuesday they believed the navy ship was trying “to ram our Philippine Coastguard (vessel). That is also (the) assessment of our Philippine Coastguard”.
US Ambassador to Manila, MaryKay Carlson, condemned on X what she called “latest reckless action by China directed against a Philippine vessel… and commend the Philippine Coastguard for their professionalism and their offer to render assistance”.
China’s defence ministry and its embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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On Monday, China’s Coastguard said it took necessary measures to expel Philippine vessels from waters in the area.
Philippine Coastguard footage showed a Chinese Coastguard ship tracking the Suluan before a Chinese navy ship, bearing the number 164 on its hull, suddenly cut across its path, colliding with it and damaging the smaller vessel’s forecastle.
People can be heard shouting in alarm before a loud crash at the moment of impact.
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Pictures showed substantial damage to the front of the Chinese Coastguard vessel.
It was the first known collision between Chinese vessels in the area.
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Both countries claim the Scarborough Shoal, a triangular chain of reefs and rocks, as well as other areas in the South China Sea.
There are no confirmed reports of injuries.
