South China Sea Tensions Rise After Chinese Ship Hits Philippine Patrol Vessel
A Chinese Coast Guard ship rammed the Philippine fisheries vessel BRP Datu Magat Salamat off Palawan on September 18, adding to growing tensions in the South China Sea. The Philippine vessel was carrying fuel for local fishermen when the Chinese ship made two close passes and hit it during the second one, damaging parts of the deck. No one was injured, Maritime Executive reported.
The incident came days after another dispute between Beijing and Manila. On September 8, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. was speaking at a defense conference in Seoul about the 2016 international ruling on the South China Sea. The ruling rejected China’s claim to historic rights over large areas within the Nine-Dash Line. A Chinese military attaché asked Teodoro to stop speaking, but he continued and read the message to the audience.
The Philippines has continued to strengthen its navy and maritime forces while avoiding direct escalation with China. Manila is adding new frigates and offshore patrol vessels and is also working more closely with Japan, the United States and other partners, including Australia, Canada, France and New Zealand.
The latest collision highlights the continued risk of confrontation at sea as both sides maintain their positions in the disputed waters.
