China and Philippines ships collide in South China Sea

Beijing. A Chinese ship and a Philippines supply ship collided on Monday in the disputed South China Sea. This has increased tensions in the region. While China blamed the Philippines for the incident, Manila termed Beijing’s claim as deceptive and misleading.

The Chinese Coast Guard said that the Philippines supply ship entered the water near the submerged rock Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. The ship did not pay attention to the warnings and approached dangerously, leading to the collision, while the Philippines army said that this shoal is in our exclusive economic zone. Army spokesman Colonel X. Trinidad said that the illegal presence and activity of the Chinese ship in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines is an interference in our sovereignty.