Chinese, Philippine vessels collide in disputed waters

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Monday blamed the Philippines after their vessels collided in the disputed South China Sea, state media reported.

The China Coast Guard (CCG) said a Philippine vessel “intruded” into waters near Ren'ai, a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands, South China Sea.

“The act led to a slight collision, for which the responsibility lies entirely with the Philippine side,” it added.

The CCG said it took “regulatory measures” against the Philippine vessel after the incident at around 05:59 a.m. China time (2159GMT, Sunday).

It said the Philippine vessel “disregarded repeated stern warnings” from the Chinese side and “deliberately and dangerously approached Chinese vessels navigating normally in adjacent waters of Ren'ai Jiao.

​​​​​​​The Philippine ship was on a resupply mission to a grounded World War II-era warship, the BRP Sierra Madre, on the shoal claimed both by Beijing and Manila.

While Beijing accused Manila of “violating” the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea, the latter called China's claims “deceptive and misleading.”