A Chinese coastguard ship engaged in a dangerously close encounter with a Philippine patrol ship in the South China Sea, raising concerns of a territorial dispute in the contested waters. The Chinese ship maneuvered to within 4 meters of the Philippine patrol ship near the Second Thomas Shoal, while another Philippine coastguard vessel was blocked and surrounded by Chinese coastguard and militia ships.

The confrontation persisted for approximately eight hours as China formed a blockade in the high seas off the shoal, an area both nations claim. The incident occurred as two supply boats escorted by the Philippine coastguard breached the Chinese blockade to deliver food and supplies to a Filipino marine outpost on the shoal.

The Philippines strongly condemned the incident, labeling it a violation of international law, particularly collision regulations. The closest dangerous maneuver by any Chinese coastguard ship against a Philippine patrol ship was averted when the Philippine vessel rapidly reversed its engine to avoid a collision with the Chinese coastguard ship.

The South China Sea has been a longstanding flashpoint in the territorial disputes between China and its neighboring countries. China asserts sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, despite overlapping claims by Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan, and the Philippines. The disputes in this critical trade route have become a sensitive issue in the rivalry between the United States and China in the region.

The Philippines has expressed concern over Chinese actions at sea and is prepared to respond to potential emergencies, including collisions between Chinese and Philippine ships in the disputed waters. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges and tensions in the South China Sea, where territorial disputes continue to escalate.

Source: With Agencies