Collision in disputed territory
USA accuses China of “dangerous behavior”.
December 11, 2023, 4:44 a.m
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A Chinese ship collides with one from the Philippines in a disputed area in the South China Sea. Manila and Beijing blamed each other. Washington stands “on the side of our Philippine allies” and sharply criticizes China’s “destabilizing behavior.”
After the collision of a Chinese and a Philippine ship in the South China Sea, the US has expressed sharp criticism of Beijing. China must stop its “dangerous and destabilizing behavior,” said US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller in Washington.
The collision occurred on Sunday during a Philippine supply mission to a small military post on Second Thomas Reef in the Spratly Islands. On Saturday, Manila had already accused Beijing of forcibly stopping supplies to fishermen in the maritime area claimed by both countries.
The Chinese ships used water cannons on both days and endangered the safety of the Filipino crew with “reckless maneuvers,” explained Miller. The USA stands “on the side of our Philippine allies”.
Manila and Beijing blamed each other in both cases. On Sunday, Philippine authorities said Chinese ships had “harassed, blocked and carried out dangerous maneuvers” on two Philippine supply vessels. A Chinese coast guard ship “rammed” one of the supply ships. The engine of a supply ship was “seriously damaged” by the use of a water cannon.
China blames the Philippines
The Chinese coast guard, however, blamed the Philippine ship for the collision. The Philippine ship first ignored several clear warnings, then “suddenly” changed course and collided with the coast guard ship.
China claims virtually the entire South China Sea for itself. Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam also claim parts of the sea area, which is strategically and economically extremely important for the neighboring states. The International Arbitration Court in The Hague declared some of the Chinese claims unlawful in 2016. However, China does not recognize the ruling.
In 2012, China seized control of Scarborough Reef. Since then, Beijing has sent patrol boats to the area, which, according to Manila, prevent Filipino fishing boats from entering fish-rich waters in the lagoon.
The Philippines operates outposts on several reefs and islands in the Spratly Islands. The area is about 200 kilometers from the Philippine island of Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometers from China’s nearest landmass, Hainan Island.