Chinese ship rams Philippines gov’t vessel in South China Sea: Coastguard

A Chinese vessel has rammed a Philippine government ship in the South China Sea, according to Manila.

The Philippine Coast Guard on Friday accused a China Coast Guard vessel of carrying out dangerous military manoeuvres before hitting the BRP Datu Magat Salamat off the coast of Palawan province. The collision is the latest in a series of flashpoints between ships from the two nations in the disputed area of the sea.

No injuries were reported in the incident, as debris spilled across the deck of the struck vessel, which belonged to the Philippine government’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and was on a mission to supply fuel to Philippine fishermen.

Coastguard spokesman Jay Tarriela said the Chinese ship initially cut across the path of the Philippine vessel at a distance of about 10 metres (33ft).

Some 10 minutes later, it repeated the manoeuvre and rammed the ship, causing severe damage to one side, added Tarriela, who released video footage allegedly showing the incident.

China rejected the account, placing responsibility for the collision with the Philippine side.

Citing information from the Chinese coastguard, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said the Philippine vessel had ignored warnings, intentionally altered its course, and suddenly accelerated ahead of the bow of the Chinese ship.

Such incidents have become common in the area, as China seeks to back up its claim to sovereignty over nearly the entirety of the South China Sea.