Chinese and Philippine vessels collide at a disputed atoll and governments trade accusations

Associated Press

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China and the Philippines have accused each other of causing a collision between their two vessels in the latest flareup of tensions over disputed waters and maritime features in the South China Sea. The Chinese coast guard spokesperson said a Philippine ship maneuvered and “deliberately collided” with a Chinese coast guard ship “in an unprofessional and dangerous manner.” Philippine officials in Manila said it was their coast guard ship that was rammed thrice by the Chinese coast guard without any provocation, causing damage to the Philippine vessel. It was the second confrontation in days near Sabina Shoal, west of the Philippine province of Palawan, in the internationally recognized exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.