Tensions Escalate as China, Philippines Clash Over South China Sea Incident

China and the Philippines accuse each other of ramming ships in the South China Sea. China claims a Philippine ship intentionally rammed a Chinese vessel at Sabina Shoal, while the Philippines claims the opposite. The disputed waterway is rich in resources and a critical trade route, despite a 2016 ruling invalidating China’s claims.

China and the Philippines have traded accusations over an incident where their ships allegedly rammed each other in the disputed South China Sea on Saturday. This marks the latest escalation in a series of confrontations over the vital waterway.

According to China's coast guard, a Philippine ship, described as 'illegally stranded' at the Sabina Shoal, lifted anchor and 'deliberately rammed' a Chinese vessel. Conversely, the Philippine coast guard reported that a Chinese vessel 'intentionally rammed' one of their ships. This area is claimed by multiple nations, including China and the Philippines, and is known for its valuable oil and natural gas deposits, as well as being a key maritime trade route.

In a 2016 ruling, the Permanent Court of Arbitration found China's broad claims on the South China Sea to have no legal standing, a decision Beijing continues to reject. China's coast guard spokesperson, Liu Dejun, called for the Philippines to withdraw from the shoal immediately, pledging that China will take necessary steps to protect its territorial and maritime rights. The Philippines Coast Guard spokesperson, Jay Tarriela, accused the Chinese coast guard of ignoring collision regulations and executing dangerous manoeuvres but confirmed there were no injuries reported.

(With inputs from agencies.)