Philippine and Chinese ships collided in the South China Sea.
On Sunday, October 22, Chinese ships blocked a Philippine ship in the South China Sea – the Philippines accused China of violating its sovereignty.
Reuters writes about this.
The countries have seen numerous clashes in disputed territory in recent months as the Philippines sends supplies to troops housed on a rusty World War II-era transport ship. The ship is currently used as a grounded outpost as part of the Spratly Islands. Because of this, the Chinese coast guard has repeatedly blocked Philippine ships carrying supplies to the outpost.
In the incident at sea, China's coast guard said there was a “minor collision” between one of its ships and a Philippine boat when the coast guard was “legally” blocking the boat from transporting “illegal construction materials” to the warship.
Manila responded by condemning the Chinese vessel's “dangerous blocking maneuvers.”
China's “dangerous, irresponsible and illegal actions” were a “violation of the sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the Philippines,” the statement said.
Beijing, in turn, says it controls almost the entire water area of the South China Sea, including part of the economic zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration said in 2016 that China's claims had no legal basis.
The United States expressed support for the Philippines, condemning China's “disruption” of a legitimate Philippine resupply mission. The Canadian and Japanese embassies in Manila also expressed support for the Philippines and concern over the clash.
Manila's relations with Beijing have deteriorated under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has stepped up military engagement with Washington since taking office last year. In May, the Pentagon said it would protect the Philippines if the country's coast guard was attacked “anywhere in the South China Sea.”
Last week, the Philippine military demanded China stop its “dangerous and offensive” actions after a Chinese ship shadowed and attempted to block a Philippine Navy vessel on a resupply mission.
China warned the Philippines against further “provocations,” saying such actions violated its territorial sovereignty.
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