Philippine Vessel Collides With Chinese Ship Near Second Thomas Shoal

In the latest incident in the South China Sea, a Philippine Supply vessel collided with a Chinese ship near Second Thomas Shoal.

The Chinese Coast Guard accused the Philippine ship of illegally intruding into waters near the shaol and causing a slight collision after ignoring repeated warnings.

The Philippine military denied these claims as deceptive and misleading, citing the Chinese vessels’ conduct within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as the primary issue.

The Chinese Coast Guard stated that the Philippine transport and replenishment ship dangerously approached the Chinese vessel unprofessionally, resulting in the collision.

However, the statement did not mention vessel injuries or damage.

The Chinese Coast Guard claimed they used control measures against the Philippine ship in compliance with the law but did not disclose any other information.

Xerxes Trinidad, the Philippine armed forces’ public affairs chief, dismissed Chinese claims and accused the Chinese coast guard of escalating regional tensions.

Trinidad stressed that the main concern was the Chinese Coast Guard’s aggressive tactics and the illegal presence of Chinese vessels in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson, Jay Tarriela, stated that the department was not participating in the operation and could not provide any details.

For months, both countries have been making accusations over dangerous maneuvers and collisions in the area, particularly near the Second Thomas Shoal, where Filipino soldiers are stationed on an outdated warship that was intentionally run aground to prove Manila’s territorial claim.

China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea, has released new rules that take effect on June 15, enforcing a 2021 legislation allowing its coastguard to use lethal force against foreign ships in waters it claims.

These regulations also permit the imprisonment of suspected trespassers for up to 60 days without trial.

Reference: Reuters, Al Jazeera

Philippine Vessel Collides With Chinese Ship Near Second Thomas Shoal appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News