Philippines accuses China of deliberate collision in South China sea dispute

By AJP Posted : October 16, 2024, 09:12 Updated : October 16, 2024, 13:51
This picture shows a Philippine coast guard. AP-Yonhap
SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - The Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) accused a Chinese maritime militia vessel of deliberately ramming one of its two patrol boats near Thitu Island in the South China Sea on Sept. 11, news reports said Tuesday.

The collision damaged the starboard bow of the Philippine vessel, but it was able to maintain its position and continue its mission.

This incident occurred just three days after China reportedly used water cannons against Philippine vessels in the same region.

The confrontation highlights the ongoing tensions between China and the Philippines over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where China claims about 90 percent of the area within its "nine-dash line."

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently expressed concerns about continued harassment and threats from China during an ASEAN summit in Laos. He urged for the swift completion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to prevent further conflicts between nations.

Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry reported that Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong met with a Philippine diplomatic delegation in Beijing to discuss bilateral relations and maritime issues, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the tensions.

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