South China Sea tensions spike again as Chinese, Philippine ships collide

Tensions between China and the Philippines have flared again in the South China Sea following a collision between their vessels near the disputed Thitu Island on Sunday.

Both sides have offered conflicting accounts of the event and traded accusations of misconduct and provocation.

The China Coast Guard claimed that two Philippine government vessels “illegally intruded” into waters near Tiexian Reef, also known as Sandy Cay, without permission.

Despite “repeated stern warnings”, one of the Philippine ships allegedly “dangerously approached” a Chinese vessel, resulting in a collision “for which the Philippine side bears full responsibility”, coastguard spokesman Liu Dejun said in a statement.

Chinese forces “took control measures in accordance with the law and firmly expelled the vessels”, Liu said, describing the operation as “professional, standardised, reasonable and legal”.

Sandy Cay, a low-tide elevation, and nearby Thitu Island – known as Zhongye Island in China and Pag-asa Island in the Philippines – are part of the Spratly Islands claimed by both nations.

South China Morning Post