Philippine and Chinese vessels collide in contested waters

A Philippine boat and Chinese ship have collided near a contested reef, in the latest territorial dispute between the two countries in the South China Sea. The Philippines said China had “harassed, blocked, and executed dangerous manoeuvres”.

It comes a day after the Philippines accused China of using water cannons to obstruct three of its vessels. The South China Sea is at the centre of a territorial dispute between China, the Philippines and other countries.

The Philippines said on Sunday that China had targeted Philippine civilian supply vessels in the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, a flashpoint between the two countries.

One of two boats carrying provisions was “rammed” by a Chinese coast guard ship, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said in a statement.

It also accused China of causing “severe damage” to the engine of one boat after using water cannon.

Credit: bbc.com

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