The Philippines and China traded accusations today after their coast guard ships collided in the South China Sea, with each of the parties stated that the other made dangerous maneuvers in the disputed area, reported DPA, quoted by BTA.
No injuries were reported in the clash in the Sabina Shoal area, the fifth incident between the two countries' navies and air forces in the South China Sea this month.
The Philippine Coast Guard reported that its vessel "Teresa Magbanua" sustained significant damage after being rammed three times by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel this morning.
"The Chinese coast guard carried out dangerous maneuvers even though it was not provoked,” said Jay Tariela, a spokesman for the coast guard for the West Philippine Sea.
"There is damage around the bridge as well as the freeboard of the "Teresa Magbanua", he added. "There is a hole which is also a result of the direct cutting done by the Chinese Coast Guard,” he added.
Tariella stated that "Teresa Magbanua“ has been surrounded by Chinese vessels, including two Chinese Coast Guard vessels and two Chinese Navy cutters, around the Sabina Shoal, located in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
The Chinese coast guard blamed the Philippines for the incident, saying: “The responsibility lies entirely with the Philippines”.
"Philippine Vessel No. 9701 deliberately collided with Chinese Vessel No. 5205, which was normally enforcing rights and enforcing the law," said the Chinese statement.
Earlier in the month, the Philippines reported two separate incidents in which Chinese aircraft fired flares at government aircraft patrolling the South China Sea.
In August, there were two other incidents of harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard involving Philippine vessels in the disputed areas.
China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea, has been taking increasingly aggressive actions in the area in recent years, DPA notes. Beijing is ignoring a 2016 ruling by an international arbitration court that said there was no legal or historical basis for its expansive claims.
Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have claims to the area, which is believed to be rich in natural resources.