The Philippines says two of its ships were intercepted by Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels and collided near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.
"Chinese Coast Guard Ship 5203 made a dangerous maneuver that resulted in a collision with a Philippine supply vessel about 25 kilometers off Second Thomas Shoal this morning," the Philippine Coast Guard said in a statement.
The Philippine National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, Manila’s agency in charge of South China Sea issues, added that a Philippine coast guard escort vessel also collided with a Chinese maritime militia vessel. The extent of damage to all parties involved in the incident is unclear.
A Philippine supply ship was intercepted by Chinese coast guard near Second Thomas Shoal in August. Photo: AP
"We strongly condemn the dangerous, irresponsible and illegal actions of the Chinese coast guard and maritime militia," the Philippine Coast Guard said in a statement.
The Chinese Coast Guard later asserted that the interception was "legal" and aimed at preventing Philippine vessels from transporting "illegal construction materials" to Second Thomas Shoal, but did not mention any clashes between the two forces.
Second Thomas Shoal is part of Vietnam’s Spratly Islands, currently illegally occupied by the Philippines. Beijing and Manila both claim sovereignty over the area.
The Philippine military has used the decrepit warship BRP Sierra Madre, which ran aground on Second Thomas Shoal, as an outpost to maintain an illegal presence in the area since 1999. The ship has a marine unit stationed on board and is completely dependent on supplies from the mainland.
South China Sea area. Graphic: CSIS
This is not the first time China has tried to block Philippine vessels at Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippine Department of National Defense said Beijing regularly maintains a coast guard vessel near Second Thomas Shoal to monitor Philippine fishing activities, as well as monitor resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre.
In November 2021, three Chinese coast guard ships blocked the way, flashed their lights, and fired water cannons, forcing Philippine supply ships to abort their mission and turn back. Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Lieutenant General Jay Tarriela said on October 6 that the Chinese coast guard ship cut its bow and nearly collided with the BRP Sindangan near Second Thomas Shoal.
Vu Anh (According to AFP, Reuters )
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