Chinese Coast Guard Rams Philippine Ship 54 Nautical Miles off Palawan as U.S. Condemns
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 22
Chinese Coast Guard Rams Philippine Ship 54 Nautical Miles off Palawan as U.S. Condemns
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 22
Summary
At 11:13 a.m., a Chinese Coast Guard vessel collided with the Philippine fisheries ship BRP Datu Magat Salamat during a fuel delivery mission to Filipino fishermen, damaging railings and metal supports but causing no injuries.
Philippine officials said the Chinese ship twice cut across the vessel's path—first passing about 33 feet off its stern—before impact, while video released by Manila captured crew shouting, "Brace for impact!"
Beijing rejected that account, saying the Philippine vessel ignored repeated warnings near Sabina Shoal, suddenly accelerated and cut across the bow of a Chinese ship conducting lawful operations.
U.S. Ambassador Lee Lipton strongly condemned what he called deliberate ramming, and the Chinese Embassy in Manila accused Washington of backing Philippine provocations in disputed waters.
The clash adds to a run of South China Sea confrontations, after Manila in July accused Chinese forces of using water cannons near Scarborough Shoal and injuring a Philippine Navy staff member at Second Thomas Shoal.