China blames Philippines for Coast Guard collision

China on Monday accused Philippine vessels of “illegally” intruding and colliding with one of their ships in waters near the Escoda Shoal, in the latest territorial spat between the two countries.

According to a statement by the Chinese Coast Guard, one of the Philippine vessels acted in an “unprofessional and dangerous” manner, ignoring repeated warnings and deliberately colliding with a Chinese ship.

We warn the Philippines to immediately stop its infringement and provocation, otherwise all the consequences arising from this will be borne by the Philip…  pines,” the statement said.

Videos posted to the Chinese Coast Guard’s website appeared to show the collision.

The Escoda Shoal, also known as Sabina Shoal and Xianbin Reef, is located in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea. It has been the site of a standoff between China and the Philippines since April, when one of the Philippine Coast Guard’s largest ships, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, was sent there.