Beijing/Manila – Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated after China’s Coast Guard accused a vessel from the Philippines of deliberately ramming one of its ships near the contested Scarborough Shoal. The incident, which marks the latest in a series of maritime disputes, occurred as more than 10 Philippine government vessels approached the area, known in China as Huangyan Island. In response, Chinese ships reportedly used water cannons to repel the Philippine fleet.
According to a statement from the Chinese Coast Guard, the “egregious” and “provocative” actions of the Philippine vessel led to the collision, and China holds Manila entirely responsible. The confrontation comes just six days after China declared part of the Scarborough Shoal a national nature reserve, a move that the Philippines had already signaled its intent to challenge with a diplomatic protest.
The incident has drawn international attention and condemnation of China’s actions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized China’s nature reserve declaration as a “coercive effort” to expand its territorial claims. The United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada have also voiced their concerns, with Canada’s embassy in the Philippines stating it opposes “attempts to use environmental protection as a way to take control over the disputed Scarborough Shoal.”
The Scarborough Shoal is a crucial flashpoint in the South China Sea, a waterway that Beijing claims almost entirely despite competing claims from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The region is strategically important due to its rich fishing grounds and vital shipping routes. Manila has yet to issue an immediate response to the alleged collision.