Sea Clash Erupts Near Contested South China Sea Island
A maritime conflict has taken place near a controversial island in the South China Sea. A Filipino vessel is said to have intentionally collided with a Chinese ship. The Philippines, however, strongly disputes this claim. They argue that the Chinese used formidable water cannons, causing substantial damage to their ship and injuring a crew member.
Stand-off at the Disputed Island
A statement from the Chinese coast guard reveals that over ten government ships from the Philippines approached the contested island from various directions. The Chinese officials responded by using water cannons against the incoming vessels. This island, known as Scarborough Shoal, is at the center of the territorial dispute and is referred to as Bajo de Masinloc by the Phillippines and Huangyan island by China.
The incident occurred less than a week after China declared a portion of the disputed Scarborough Shoal as a national nature reserve. This move led to the Philippine government lodging a formal diplomatic protest.
A History of Maritime Disputes
This is far from the first time that China and the Philippines have had maritime disputes over territory in the South China Sea. China asserts almost total sovereignty over this region. However, several other nations, including the Philippines, also claim rights over parts of these waters. The area is of great strategic importance and is rich in fishing resources.
Details of the Incident
The Philippine coast guard reported that two Chinese coast guard vessels targeted a Filipino fisheries boat, the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang, with powerful water cannons for an extended period. The assault resulted in substantial damage to the ship, including the captain's cabin and the bridge. A glass window was also broken, injuring a crew member, while a surge of water caused an electrical short circuit that affected electrical outlets and five outdoor air-conditioning units.
Adding to the tension, a Chinese navy warship broadcast a radio notice indicating an imminent live-fire exercise in the area. This announcement caused a great deal of panic among Filipino fishermen, according to the Philippine coast guard.
On that particular day, the Philippine coast guard and fisheries ships were present in the area to provide fuel, water, ice, and other supplies to more than 35 fishing boats.
International Support for the Philippines
Several countries have expressed their support for the Philippines in the dispute over the nature reserve. High-ranking officials from the U.S. have criticized China's actions as yet another attempt to assert extensive territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea at the cost of its neighbors.
Other nations, including the U.K. and Australia, have also voiced concern over the situation. The Canadian Embassy in the Philippines has publicly stated their opposition to attempts to exploit environmental protection as a means to gain control over the disputed Scarborough Shoal.