The Chinese Coast Guard reported taking actions such as warnings, interceptions, boarding inspections, and forced evictions against the Philippine vessels. China claims almost all of the South China Sea as its territory, despite competing claims from several other countries, including the Philippines.
US Ambassador to Manila, MaryKay Carlson, criticized China's "aggressive, dangerous maneuvers" on social media, stating these actions caused injuries and damage to Philippine vessels. However, neither country officially reported injuries or damage from the collision.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently warned that any harm to Filipino citizens in the South China Sea could be seen as an act of war. He has been strengthening ties with the US, which has reaffirmed its commitment to a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines.
The incident adds to a series of recent confrontations between the Philippines and China, raising concerns of a potential international conflict. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated the US's support for the Philippines and condemned China's actions.
Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell discussed the collision with Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro, stating that China obstructed lawful maritime operations and interfered with the Philippines' freedom of navigation.
This collision is the first since a new Chinese law took effect, allowing its coast guard to seize foreign ships and detain crews for up to 60 days without trial. The Chinese coast guard accused the Philippine ship of ignoring warnings and approaching dangerously, causing the collision. The Philippines countered by accusing Chinese ships of dangerous maneuvers.
Philippine army spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla highlighted the illegal presence of Chinese vessels in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. An international tribunal in 2016 ruled that China's claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis, a ruling Beijing has ignored.
The collision occurred while the Philippine ship was supplying soldiers stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed area rich in resources.
Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu warned the Philippines against what he termed illegal supply deliveries to the stranded warship and stated that the Chinese Coast Guard remains vigilant.
Unlike previous confrontations, Philippine officials made broad statements denouncing China's actions but provided no specific details about the incident.
Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. emphasized the country's commitment to protecting its territorial integrity and sovereignty, urging the international community to recognize China's actions as obstacles to peace and stability in the region.
