A Philippine ship collided with a Chinese ship in the South China Sea, near the disputed Spratly Islands on both sides, AFP reported, citing BTA, citing the Chinese coast guard.
"Philippine supply ship has ignored numerous appeals from the Chinese side" and "approached the Chinese vessel in an unprofessional manner, resulting in a collision,", according to the statement.
Beijing accused the vessel of "illegally entering the waters near Renai Reef" (the Chinese name of the Second Thomas Atoll), located off the Spratly Islands.
"The Chinese Coast Guard has taken countermeasures against the Philippine vessel in accordance with the law," the communique added.
Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including waters and islands off the coasts of several of its neighbors, despite a 2016 international court ruling. The Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Thapwan and Vietnam also claim several reef and areas in this sea, some of which may contain rich reserves of oil.
China has coast guard and other vessels to patrol the South China Sea and has turned some reefs into military emplacements.