The Philippine Fisheries Bureau reported that a “Chinese maritime militia” vessel intentionally collided with a Philippine patrol boat near Thitu Island in the disputed waters of the South China Sea last Friday, October 11th.
In a video released by the Philippine Fisheries Bureau on Monday night, a Chinese vessel with the number 00108 approached the Philippine civilian patrol boat (BRP Datu Cabaylo), leading to the collision.
According to the bureau’s statement, the right bow of the boat that was hit suffered damage, but despite the incident, the BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) vessel remained in position and was able to continue its mission.
Recent conflicts have arisen between China and the Philippines in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, with both sides in a state of confrontation and accusing each other of provocative actions.
The Philippines has accused China of maintaining maritime militia to strengthen its presence in this crucial waterway, while Beijing claims these vessels are civilian ships.
Regarding the latest incident, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the Philippine vessel “endangered navigation in China’s jurisdictional waters and collided with a normal operating Chinese fishing boat.”
China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including Thitu Island occupied by the Philippines, and refuses to recognize the ruling made by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2016, which found no legal basis for China’s claims under international law. The case was brought by the Philippines.
The maritime clash last week occurred after Southeast Asian leaders convened for the ASEAN summit. During the summit, Philippine President Marcos urged for expedited negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
(This article references reporting by Reuters)