War of words over Spratlys ship rammings

Philippine ships sustained serious damage yesterday in predawn collisions with Chinese vessels near a disputed Spratlys reef, Manila's coast guard said, as Beijing steps up efforts to push its claims in the South China Sea.

China and the Philippines have had repeated confrontations in the waters in recent months, including around a warship grounded years ago by Manila on the contested Second Thomas Shoal that hosts a garrison.

Both countries said their coast guard ships had collided near the disputed Sabina Shoal, which is 140 kilometers west of Palawan and about 1,200 kilometers from Hainan.

Manila said it was the first hostile action by Beijing against it near Sabina, where both sides have stationed coast guard ships in recent months and where the Philippines fears China is about to build an artificial island.

Manila said the Chinese vessel had smashed a hole into the hull of the Philippine ship BRP Bagacay in the first collision. A second collision then dented the ship and damaged its railings.

In another collision, the BRP Engano suffered a 1.1-meter hole in its right side as well as damage to its engine exhaust.

Manila also released images showing heavy damage sustained by the ships.

China coast guard spokesman Gan Yu accused the Philippine vessels of acting "in an unprofessional and dangerous manner, resulting in a glancing collision."

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the Philippine vessels had "seriously violated China's sovereignty" and that the country would "continue to take resolute and forceful measures in accordance with the law to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests."

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE