China, Philippines trade blame over collision in South China Sea
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The news: Manila and Beijing have traded blame over responsibility for a maritime collision between military boats in the South China Sea on Sunday.
The context: The Philippines said that a Chinese Coast Guard ship “fired it water cannon” at a ship belonging to Manila’s fisheries bureau at 9:15am (12:15pm AEDT), the BRP Datu Paguaya.
Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson, said that just minutes after the Chinese vessel fired its water cannons, “the same CCG vessel deliberately rammed the stern of the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, causing minor structural damage but no injuries to the crew.”
The incident took place in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, a contested waterway where Beijing has repeatedly sought to assert sovereignty.
Liu Dejun, spokesperson for the Chinese Coast Guard, said that official Philippine vessels illegally entered the waters near iexian Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao without the permission of the Chinese government. He said the Philippine vessel ignored multiple warnings from the Chinese side and dangerously approached the Chinese ship, which took control measures according to law against the Philippine vessels and resolutely expelled them.
"The full responsibility lies with the Philippine side," Liu stressed.
"We sternly warn the Philippines to immediately cease its infringements and provocative acts. The CCG will conduct law enforcement activities for rights protection in China's jurisdiction waters in accordance with the law," Liu said.
The sources: Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson, Xinhua news
