The Philippines on Monday accused Chinese coastguard vessels of "intentionally" colliding with its vessels on a resupply mission in a disputed part of the South China Sea, as ties deteriorated between the Southeast Asian U.S. ally and Beijing.

The Philippines on Monday accused Chinese coastguard vessels of “intentionally” colliding with its vessels on a resupply mission in a disputed part of the South China Sea, as ties deteriorated between the Southeast Asian U.S. ally and Beijing.

Both sides traded accusations after the latest incident on Sunday, which was the most serious yet in the waters around the disputed Second Thomas shoal, though no-one was harmed.

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    “Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels, in blatant violation of international law, harassed and intentionally hit” Manila’s supply boat and coastguard ship, Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro told a news conference.

    “This is a serious escalation of the illegal activities conducted by the Chinese government in the West Philippine Sea in complete disregard of any norm or convention of international law,” Teodoro said after attending a security meeting called by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

    Since Marcos came to power in 2022, the Philippines has sought closer ties with its traditional ally, the United States, while lodging increasing complaints about China’s aggressive behaviour.

    The regular resupply missions are for a handful of Philippine troops living aboard an aging warship that was deliberately run aground on the Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert Manila’s sovereignty claims.

    The uninhabited shoal, known in Manila as Ayungin and Renai Reef in China, is within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone, and is strategically located on one of the world’s busiest trade routes.

    Medel Aguilar, the Philippines military’ spokesperson said, Sunday’s incident was the first time that Chinese vessels had resorted to colliding with resupply boats.

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