Tensions escalated in the South China Sea as multiple collisions occurred between Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels near Sabina Shoal in the early hours of Monday.
According to The Wall Street Journal, at least three collisions were reported between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. local time. The first collision tore a 3.6-foot diameter hole in a Philippine coast guard vessel, while a subsequent incident left a 2.5-foot long and 3-foot wide gap in another Philippine ship.
These events occurred approximately 75 nautical miles from the Philippines' west coast, near the uninhabited Sabina Shoal.
Conflicting Claims And Aggressive Maneuvers
The Philippines attributed the collisions to aggressive maneuvers by China's coast guard, which has been at the forefront of Beijing's efforts to enforce its claims in the South China Sea. In contrast, China accused the Philippine coast guard of deliberately causing the collision through dangerous actions.
Jay Tarriela, a spokesman for the Philippine coast guard, emphasized the severity of the damage, stating, "We can fairly say that this is the biggest structural damage we have incurred as a result of the dangerous maneuvers carried out by the Chinese coast guard."
The incidents near Sabina Shoal represent a shift in the focal point of tensions, which have previously centered around Second Thomas Shoal, located about 30 nautical miles to the west. Both locations fall within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone but are claimed by China as part of its extensive territorial assertions in the South China Sea.
Escalating Tensions And Diplomatic Efforts
These collisions mark a significant escalation in the already strained relations between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. Over the past 18 months, tensions have risen to levels that have threatened to draw in the United States, a treaty ally of the Philippines.
In July, following a series of risky encounters near Second Thomas Shoal, the Philippines and China announced an agreement to ease tensions. However, the recent incidents near Sabina Shoal raise questions about the effectiveness and interpretation of this agreement.
As Manila has strengthened its stance against China's claims and moved closer to the U.S., it has faced increased pressure from Beijing both diplomatically and at sea. Chinese vessels have employed various forceful tactics, including water cannon use, ramming of ships, and threatening Filipino military personnel.
New Flashpoint At Sabina Shoal
While Sabina Shoal was not previously considered a major flashpoint, tensions have been building there for months. In mid-April, the Philippines deployed a large coast guard ship, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, to the area in response to increased Chinese maritime militia presence and research vessel activity.
The Philippine coast guard reported observing Chinese divers using instruments to take measurements and make assessments of the area. In response, the Philippines sent small inflatable boats for closer monitoring, which were at times blocked by China's coast guard.
Philippine coast guard spokesman Jay Tarriela expressed concern about potential land reclamation activities at Sabina Shoal, stating:
If we don't monitor and guard this, maybe in the following months, we'll be shocked again that in Sabina Shoal, they've expanded the island.
China's Foreign Ministry dismissed these claims as "sheer rumor" and accused Manila of creating new tensions in the South China Sea.
Conclusion
The collisions on Monday occurred as two Philippine coast guard ships were en route to resupply a different Philippine site in the South China Sea. Despite sustaining damage, the ships continued their missions. These incidents highlight the ongoing tensions and territorial disputes in the South China Sea, particularly between China and the Philippines. The collisions near Sabina Shoal represent a new area of conflict, shifting focus from the previously contentious Second Thomas Shoal.
