Philippines and China Trade Blame Over South China Sea Vessel Collision

The Philippines said a China Coast Guard vessel rammed the BRP Datu Magat Salamat, a fisheries department ship delivering subsidized fuel to Filipino fishermen in the disputed South China Sea. Philippine officials said the Chinese vessel made a series of close maneuvers before striking the ship at about 11:13 a.m. near Abad Santos Shoal, roughly 54 nautical miles, or 100 kilometers, off Palawan and within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The collision damaged the Philippine vessel’s starboard railings, support structures and deck equipment and scattered debris; authorities reported no immediate information about injuries. The Philippine Coast Guard described the maneuver as deliberate and dispatched surface and air assets to assist the crew. China said the Philippine vessel ignored warnings, altered course and accelerated across the Chinese ship’s bow, placing responsibility for the collision on Manila, as the incident added to a series of confrontations over competing South China Sea claims.