Philippines alleges China Coast Guard rammed, damaged its vessel in South China Sea

The Philippines has accused China of deliberately ramming a Philippine government vessel, causing minor damage near a disputed island in the South China Sea, reports 24brussels.

On Sunday, the Philippine Coast Guard stated that a Chinese Coast Guard ship fired water cannons at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, a vessel from Manila’s fisheries bureau, which was anchored off Thitu Island. This altercation occurred at 01:15 GMT, as reported by the Manila Times. Just three minutes later, the same Chinese vessel allegedly rammed the stern of the Datu Pagbuaya, resulting in minor damage but no reported injuries among the crew.

Thitu Island, known in China as Zhongye Island, is part of the Spratly Islands, a region where Beijing has long sought to assert its territorial claims. It is the largest of the nine islands and reefs in the Spratlys inhabited by Philippine forces and is home to a fishing community, according to Al Jazeera.

Philippine Coast Guard Chief Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan declared that this incident “only strengthens” Manila’s resolve “to not surrender a square inch of our territory to any foreign power.” In contrast, China dismissed these claims, attributing the collision to the Philippine side. Chinese Coast Guard spokesman Liu Dejun stated that the incident occurred because the Philippine ship “ignored repeated stern warnings from the Chinese side and dangerously approached” the other ship. “Full responsibility lies with the Philippine side,” Liu remarked in an online statement cited by Al Jazeera.

In a show of military cooperation, warships from the Philippines, the United States, and Canada participated in complex naval maneuvers under Exercise SAMASAMA (Together) 2025, showcasing enhanced defense collaboration and interoperability in regional waters, according to the official news agency of the Philippines.