rki.news | Sources: Reuters/China Daily
MANILA, Sept 18: China and the Philippines exchanged accusations on Friday after vessels from the two countries collided in the disputed South China Sea.
The Philippine Coast Guard said a China Coast Guard vessel rammed the Philippine government ship BRP Datu Magat Salamat while it was carrying out a mission to provide fuel assistance to Filipino fishermen near Palawan.
The collision damaged railings and structures on the Philippine vessel, but no injuries were reported, according to the Philippine side.
China, however, blamed the Philippine vessel for the incident, saying it deliberately changed course and crossed in front of the Chinese coast guard ship near Sabina Shoal.
Beijing said the Philippine vessel ignored repeated warnings and was responsible for the collision.
The incident adds to continuing tensions between the two countries over disputed areas of the South China Sea, where both sides have repeatedly accused each other of dangerous maritime actions.
