Taiwan experienced a collision between Chinese and Philippine coast guard ships near Sabina Shoal in the disputed South China Sea. Both countries blamed each other for the incident, with China accusing the Philippines of deliberately crashing into their ship and the Philippines claiming to have encountered aggressive maneuvers from the Chinese coast guard. The collision resulted in structural damage to both Philippine vessels.
The dispute over Sabina Shoal, located near the Spratly Islands, has escalated tensions between the two countries. China claims sovereignty over the area, including Sabina Shoal and its adjacent waters. The area has become a new flashpoint in the territorial disagreements between China and the Philippines.
The Philippine coast guard had deployed patrol ships to the area after suspected coral reef destruction raised concerns about Chinese construction activity. The Second Thomas Shoal, also a point of contention, has seen increasing confrontations between the countries’ coast guard ships and accompanying vessels.
An agreement was reached last month to prevent further confrontations in the Second Thomas Shoal, with the Philippines transporting supplies to its territorial outpost guarded by Chinese ships. The Philippine navy successfully transported goods and personnel to the shoal without incident, raising hopes for reduced tensions.
China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea have led to disputes with neighboring countries, including the Philippines. The region remains a strategic and resource-rich waterway, with China asserting control through its 10-dash line on official maps.
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