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China and the Philippines trade new accusations after Second Thomas Shoal clash
The incident comes as Beijing’s top diplomat is scheduled to attend an ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in the Philippines.
Beijing and Manila exchanged fresh accusations over a South China Sea clash near Second Thomas Shoal, with the China Coast Guard alleging that two rubber dinghies were launched from a grounded Philippine vessel and that its patrol was rammed.
According to the China Coast Guard, the encounter took place at about 9am on Monday, when a small Chinese coastguard vessel was patrolling near the shoal. The agency said the Philippine side ignored warnings, approached in a dangerous manner, and rammed the front of the Chinese patrol vessel.
The China Coast Guard also claimed Philippine personnel attacked Chinese law enforcement officers using tools such as oars and long sticks. It said China responded with measures under its laws and regulations, including verbal warnings, manoeuvring to avoid the vessel, and reciprocal countermeasures.
The agency accused the Philippines of distorting the facts and falsely incriminating China, and it demanded that Manila immediately stop what it described as infringements, provocations and false propaganda. It said it will continue law enforcement activities to safeguard rights and “resolutely” uphold sovereignty and maritime interests in the South China Sea, the South China Morning Post reported.