China and Philippines Blame Each Other for Vessel Collisions in Disputed South China Sea

Tensions flared in the South China Sea on Saturday as China and the Philippines blamed each other for a series of collisions between their coast guard vessels near the disputed Sabina Shoal. According to the Chinese Coast Guard, a Philippine vessel “deliberately collided” with one of its ships during a routine law enforcement mission. In contrast, the Philippine Coast Guard accused China of intentionally ramming their ship without provocation.

This confrontation is the latest in a series of escalating incidents over the contested waters. Sabina Shoal, located just 86 miles off the Philippines’ coast but over 700 miles from China, has become a flashpoint for territorial disputes. Despite international rulings rejecting China’s extensive claims over the South China Sea, Beijing continues to assert dominance in the region.

The US State Department condemned China’s actions, accusing it of repeatedly disrupting lawful Philippine operations and urged compliance with international law to avoid further destabilization. The incident highlights ongoing geopolitical friction in the South China Sea, just weeks after Beijing and Manila agreed on measures to temporarily reduce tensions in another nearby area.