A recent incident in the South China Sea saw China’s Coast Guard accuse a Philippine vessel of intentionally colliding with one of its ships. The confrontation occurred on Tuesday, near Scarborough Shoal, a strategically vital and fiercely contested territory claimed by both nations.
According to a statement from the Chinese Coast Guard, over ten Philippine government ships approached the waters surrounding the shoal, which China refers to as Huangyan Island, from multiple directions. In response, Chinese forces reportedly used water cannons against the Philippine vessels.
This maritime clash took place just six days after China controversially declared a portion of Scarborough Shoal a national nature reserve, a move that significantly escalated existing tensions.
The Philippines government did not immediately issue a statement regarding the collision. However, last week, Manila had already announced its intention to file a diplomatic protest against China’s nature reserve designation for what the Philippines calls Bajo de Masinloc.
Both China and the Philippines have a history of frequent confrontations around various maritime features in the South China Sea, a vast expanse of water that China largely claims as its own. These waters are not only strategically crucial but also rich in fishing resources, attracting multiple nations with conflicting territorial claims.
The Chinese Coast Guard unequivocally blamed the Philippines for the Tuesday collision, labeling their actions as both provocative and unacceptable.
Several allied nations have publicly expressed their support for the Philippines concerning the nature reserve dispute.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized China’s actions, calling them ‘yet another coercive move to advance sweeping territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea at the expense of its neighbors.’
Both Great Britain and Australia conveyed their apprehension regarding China’s recent announcement through social media.
Canada recognizes the importance of protecting maritime ecosystems in the South China Sea. We oppose attempts to use environmental protection as a way to take control over the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
— Canada in the Philippines (@CanEmbPH)
Echoing this sentiment, the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines stated, ‘We oppose attempts to use environmental protection as a way to take control over the disputed Scarborough Shoal.’