Philippine authorities disputed this account, saying the collision was the result of “unlawful and aggressive maneuvers” by the Chinese coast guard and that the incident left the Philippine BRP Cape Engano with a hole in its deck.
In addition to the collision, a Chinese coast guard vessel rammed another Philippine vessel, the BRP Bagacay, twice, “leading to minor structural damage,” said the Philippine National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea.
While skirmishes between Chinese and Philippine vessels have been increasing in the South China Sea, Monday’s incident marks the first time in decades that the two countries have clashed over Sabina Shoal, which is among the closest maritime features in the contested Spratly island archipelago to the Philippines.
Sabina Shoal is a half-submerged reef located 86 miles from the Philippine island of Palawan, more than 30 miles closer to Palawan than Second Thomas Shoal, where a grounded, Philippine vessel has become the subject of hot dispute.
China claims the vast majority of the South China Sea, including Sabina and Second Thomas Shoals
“The battle lines have moved closer to the Philippines,” said Ray Powell, director of SeaLight at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation. While China and the Philippines last month agreed to lower tensions at Second Thomas Shoal, China’s efforts to control Sabina Shoal suggests this was a narrow truce, said Powell. When it comes to its broader claims over the waterway, China is “undeterred,” he added.
Li reported from Seoul.