Tensions have escalated between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, with both sides accusing each other of 'ramming' incidents near the disputed Sabina Shoal. The Philippines sent its advanced coastguard ship, BRP Teresa Magbanua, while China warned of a 'forceful response'.
The Philippines maintains a grounded ship, BRP Sierra Madre, to assert territorial claims, as well as operating on Flat Island and Nanshan Island in the Spratlys. The incidents occurred in waters known as Xianbin Reef in China and Escoda Shoal in the Philippines.
In one incident, Chinese vessel 21551 rammed Philippine vessel 4411, and in another, Philippine vessel 4410 was rammed by a Chinese ship. The Philippines has vowed to continue its mission to Patag and Lawak Islands, while China has pledged a forceful response.
The US has condemned the incident and expressed support for the Philippines. The tensions come after a long-standing territorial dispute, with China claiming sovereignty over nearly 90% of the South China Sea, which was ruled as illegal by an international arbitration tribunal in 2016. The Philippines fears that China may be building artificial islands in the area.
