Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu claimed that a Philippine vessel deliberately rammed a Chinese ship while attempting to deliver supplies to another Philippine boat. China asserts it controlled the situation legally and rescued Filipino personnel who fell into the water.
The Philippines countered that narrative, stating that Chinese vessels dangerously approached and fired water cannons at a Philippine fisheries bureau ship.
The incident follows a similar clash on Aug. 19, where both nations accused each other of provocative actions and causing damage to their respective vessels. The ongoing disputes stem from China's claim to about 90 percent of the South China Sea, conflicting with territorial assertions of several Southeast Asian nations.
The tensions are further complicated by the Philippines' occupation of Second Thomas Shoal, where it maintains a small military presence on a grounded naval ship, regularly resupplying it despite Chinese interference.
These recurring confrontations highlight the escalating territorial disputes in the region, with both countries continuing to assert their claims aggressively.
