A China Coast Guard vessel collided with and damaged a Philippine government vessel in the disputed South China Sea on Friday, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. The incident occurred about 54 nautical miles off Palawan province, while the Philippine vessel was carrying fuel to Filipino fishermen.
The Philippine vessel, BRP Datu Magat Salamat, belongs to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Philippine officials said the Chinese vessel carried out a series of dangerous manoeuvres before striking it, damaging railings, metal supports and equipment on the deck. No injuries were reported.
China gave a different account of the incident. Its coast guard said the Philippine vessel ignored repeated warnings, changed course and accelerated across the path of the Chinese ship, and therefore blamed the Philippine side for the collision.
The incident is the latest in a series of confrontations between China and the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea, where both countries have competing maritime claims. Tensions have remained high as China asserts extensive claims over the sea, while the Philippines continues to defend its maritime rights.