Tensions in the South China Sea flared again Friday when a Chinese coast guard vessel collided with a Philippine government ship during a mission to deliver fuel to fishermen. The incident was captured on video and triggered a fresh round of accusations between Manila and Beijing.
According to Philippine authorities, the vessel BRP Datu Magat Salamat was operating approximately 54 nautical miles off the coast of Palawan province, in waters Manila defines as part of its exclusive economic zone. Video footage released by the Philippine coast guard captured crew members shouting "brace for impact" moments before the collision. No injuries were reported, but images from the scene showed damaged railings and metal structures, with debris scattered across the deck.
The Philippines alleged the Chinese vessel carried out the ramming deliberately. A Philippine coast guard spokesman said the Chinese ship first cut across the Philippine vessel's path from a distance of about ten meters, repeated the maneuver minutes later, and then struck it.
China rejected the allegations and presented the opposite account. A Chinese coast guard spokesman claimed the Philippine ship "deliberately changed course and suddenly accelerated to cross the bow of the Chinese vessel," despite repeated warnings.
