Washington condemns Chinese actions while Chinese coast guard denies responsibility for Philippines incident
The Philippines and China traded accusations today after their coast guard vessels collided in the South China Sea, with each side claiming the other carried out dangerous maneuvers in the disputed waters.
No injuries were reported in the clash on the Sabina Reef, known as the Esconda Reef in the Philippines, and this is the fifth incident of confrontation between the two countries’ navies and air forces in the South China Sea.
The Philippine Coast Guard said their ship, the Teresa Magbanua, was severely damaged when it was rammed three times by a Chinese coast guard vessel this morning.
For its part, the Chinese Coast Guard denied responsibility for the incident in the Philippines.
Earlier this month the Philippines blamed Beijing for two separate incidents in which Chinese aircraft allegedly fired flares at its aircraft patrolling the South China Sea.
Two other incidents of Chinese coast guard harassment against Philippine ships in disputed waters were recorded in August.
The US ambassador to the Philippines today condemned China’s multiple dangerous violations of international law, including today’s episode.
China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea, has been increasingly aggressive in the region in recent years.
In addition, it has defied a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that vindicated the Philippines in its years-long dispute with China in the South China Sea.
Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have claims to the region, which is said to be rich in natural resources.
Source :Skai
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