A dramatic video shows a collision between a Chinese coast guard vessel and another vessel operated by China’s own coast guard while chasing a Philippine patrol boat in the disputed South China Sea. The incident occurred near the Scarborough Shoal, a contested shoal in the region.
According to officials in Manila, the Chinese coast guard vessel was tailing the Filipino patrol boat before a navy warship belonging to the Chinese military cut in front of it, causing both vessels to come to a halt. The patrol boat continued sailing on after the collision.
The Philippine coast guard spokesperson, Jay Tarriela, stated that the collision occurred as the Chinese coast guard “performed a risky maneuver” in pursuit of the patrol boat, resulting in “substantial damage” to the Chinese vessel. In response, China’s Coast Guard blamed Philippine vessels for the confrontation and claimed they had disregarded China’s repeated warnings.
However, Tarriela said that the Philippine coast guard offered assistance to the Chinese crew, including man-overboard recovery and medical aid if needed. The extent of any damage to the Chinese vessel or harm to crew members was unclear based on Tarriela’s footage.
The incident has raised concerns about maritime safety in the region, with officials in the Philippines urging China to adhere to international rules that aim to prevent such incidents. This latest escalation follows years of tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea, where Chinese vessels have repeatedly rammed Philippine ships and struck them with water cannons.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/video-chinese-ships-collide-philippine-boat-disputed-waters