In a significant increase of ongoing maritime tensions, a collision occurred between a Philippine boat and a Chinese Coast Guard ship on Sunday, 10th December near the contentious Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The incident unfolded during a Philippine resupply mission to the Spratly Islands, marking the latest in a series of confrontations between Manila and Beijing.
The Philippines had previously accused China of obstructing their supply vessels near Scarborough Shoal merely a day before the collision. The accusations included the use of water cannons by the Chinese coast guard, adding fuel to the already strained relations between the two nations.
According to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, Chinese vessels engaged in a series of provocative actions, including harassment, obstruction, and dangerous manoeuvres against Philippine civilian supply vessels. The most severe impact occurred when a Chinese coast guard ship allegedly rammed one of the Philippine supply boats.
Additionally, water cannons were reportedly used against two supply boats and a Philippine Coast Guard vessel escorting the mission, resulting in severe damage to one of the supply boats and structural harm to the Coast Guard vessel.
In response, the China Coast Guard issued a counter-statement, accusing the Philippine boat of deliberately colliding with their vessel. They claimed that the Philippine boat changed direction suddenly and engaged in unprofessional and dangerous behaviour, disregarding multiple stern warnings. The Chinese statement also alleged that the Philippine vessels were attempting to deliver construction materials to an “illegally beached warship” on which the garrison at Second Thomas Shoal is located.
Foreign diplomats were swift to criticize China’s actions, with the U.S. ambassador expressing support for the Philippines and condemning China’s repeated illegal and dangerous actions against Philippine vessels. European Union ambassadors and the New Zealand embassy also voiced deep concern over the series of dangerous incidents in the disputed waters.
Simultaneously, a civilian convoy of 100 Filipino fishermen embarked on a mission to deliver Christmas cheer and provisions to remote outposts, including the Second Thomas Shoal. In response to the collision, organizers decided to reroute the convoy directly to Philippine-held Nanshan Island.
Second Thomas Shoal, situated approximately 200 km from the western Philippine island of Palawan, has been a consistent flashpoint for maritime incidents between the Philippines and China. The location houses a small contingent of Filipino troops stationed on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre, a strategic move made in 1999 to counter China’s encroachment in the region. These troops heavily depend on resupply missions for their survival.
The strained relations between the Philippines and China have intensified under President Ferdinand Marcos, who has been vocal about the escalating situation in the South China Sea. As geopolitical complexities surrounding territorial claims continue to strain regional stability, international attention remains focused on developments in the disputed waters.