The Philippines has accused China of deliberately ramming one of its government vessels near Thitu Island in the disputed South China Sea, sharply escalating regional tensions.
Early on Sunday, Filipino ships including the BRP Datu Pagbuaya were anchored near the island to protect local fishermen when a Chinese coast guard vessel approached, firing water cannons and then ramming the stern of the Philippine ship, causing minor damage but no injuries.
Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, head of the Philippine Coast Guard, condemned the incident, affirming the government’s commitment to defending its territory. Both the Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries pledged to maintain their operations in the contested waters despite Chinese actions.
China denied the accusations, asserting Philippine vessels had entered Chinese-claimed waters without authorisation and blamed Manila for the collision.
The incident is part of an ongoing dispute in the South China Sea, where China claims almost the entire area under the “nine-dash line,” overlapping with claims by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
Thitu Island, the largest Philippine-controlled feature in the Spratlys, is strategically significant and home to a fishing community. The South China Sea is crucial for global trade, with over $3 trillion passing annually, and is rich in natural resources.
Recent months have seen rising tensions, including China’s creation of a nature reserve near Scarborough Shoal, which Manila criticised as a move to strengthen Beijing’s hold. China’s militarisation of artificial islands has further alarmed regional nations.
While diplomatic efforts continue, aggressive encounters like this recent clash show the fragile stability in these contested waters. The Philippines vows to protect its fishermen and sovereignty amid ongoing challenges from China’s assertiveness.