Ship strike causes tension between China and the Philippines

“These dangerous maneuvers resulted in collisions, causing structural damage to two Philippine Coast Guard vessels,” said Jonathan Malaya, spokesman for the National Security Council and the South China Sea Task Force in Manila.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a press conference that China will continue to take “resolute and strong legal measures” to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

“We hope the Philippines will honor its commitments and earnestly abide by the interim agreements reached with China,” Mao said.

The United States condemned China’s actions. Its ambassador to Manila, Mary Kay Carlson, said in this regard:

Manila said the coast guard ships Cape Engano and Pajacay were on their way to resupply personnel stationed on Flat Island – which Manila calls Patag – and Lawak Island, which China calls Nanshan, when the clash occurred near Sabina Shoal.

The incident occurred less than two weeks after an air incident between Chinese and Philippine armed forces at Scarborough Shoal.