The Philippines and China had their fifth maritime confrontation in a month near the Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea. The dispute is part of a longstanding rivalry between the two countries, with Beijing claiming almost the entire South China Sea. The area is of strategic importance due to the $3 trillion worth of trade that passes through it annually and the resources it holds, such as oil, natural gas, and fish stocks. The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China’s claims were illegal, a ruling Beijing rejects.
The latest confrontation involved accusations from both sides of intentional ramming of coast guard vessels. The Philippine Coast Guard claimed that a Chinese vessel rammed into one of their ships without provocation, causing damage but no injuries. China’s coast guard countered by claiming that the Philippine ship was illegally stranded and deliberately rammed into their vessel.
The U.S. ambassador to the Philippines expressed support for the Philippines against China’s actions. The Philippines had previously deployed a ship to the Sabina Shoal, accusing China of building an artificial island and damaging coral reefs. This week, a Philippine aircraft conducting patrols over disputed areas was reportedly subject to unsafe maneuvers by Chinese aircraft. Additionally, China was accused of obstructing a resupply mission, using water cannons on a Filipino ship carrying supplies for fishermen.
Tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea continue to escalate, with both countries accusing each other of aggressive actions in the disputed waters.
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