Chinese and Philippine Vessels Collide Near Disputed Sabina Shoal in South China Sea

Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations 20-08-2024

A collision occurred between Chinese and Philippine vessels on Monday near the contested Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, leading to accusations from both sides. The Philippines reported that two of its coast guard ships sustained damage due to what it described as China’s “unlawful maneuvers,” while Beijing claimed it acted in response to unauthorized entry into its waters.

The incident marks another confrontation in a series of recent clashes between the two nations in this critical waterway. Tensions have particularly centered around the Second Thomas Shoal, where a Philippine warship has been grounded for years and serves as a military outpost. Despite an international tribunal ruling against China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea, Beijing continues to assert control over nearly the entire region.

According to China Coast Guard spokesperson Geng Yu, a Philippine vessel “deliberately collided” with a Chinese ship during the incident. Geng asserted that the Philippine coast guard vessels entered waters near Xianbin Reef in the Nansha Islands—referred to as the Sabina Shoal and the Spratly Islands in Chinese—without Beijing’s authorization. The Chinese coast guard reportedly took “control measures” against the Philippine vessels in response.

Meanwhile, the Philippines’ National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea confirmed that two of its coast guard ships were damaged due to “unlawful and aggressive maneuvers” by Chinese vessels near the Sabina Shoal. Manila stated that the collisions caused structural damage to both of its coast guard ships.

The Sabina Shoal, located approximately 140 kilometers west of the Philippine island of Palawan, is claimed by China despite being over 1,000 kilometers from its nearest landmass, Hainan Island. The Philippines has recently increased its presence around the shoal, concerned that China might be planning to construct an artificial island in the area.

Video footage attributed to the Chinese coast guard and broadcast by state media appeared to show a Philippine vessel colliding with the left side of a Chinese ship. A second clip depicted a Chinese vessel making contact with the rear of a Philippine ship, with captions claiming that a sudden change in the Philippine ship’s direction led to the collision. The Chinese coast guard accused the Philippine vessels of “unprofessional and dangerous” behavior, which allegedly caused the incident.

However, Manila placed the blame squarely on Beijing. National Security Council Director General Jonathan Malaya reported that the BRP Cape Engano, a Philippine coast guard ship, sustained a 13-centimeter hole in its side after being struck by a China coast guard vessel. A second Philippine ship, the BRP Bagacay, was also reportedly hit twice by another Chinese vessel, resulting in minor damage. Despite the collisions, the Filipino crew continued their mission to resupply garrisoned islands in the Spratly Islands.

The incident, which occurred at around 3:24 a.m. local time on Monday, was later followed by another confrontation near the Second Thomas Shoal around 6 a.m., according to Chinese state media.

The growing number of clashes in the South China Sea has raised concerns that the ongoing tensions could escalate into a larger conflict, potentially involving the United States, a key ally of the Philippines. Analysts suggest that China’s maneuvers around Sabina Shoal and the Second Thomas Shoal may be part of a broader strategy to assert control over areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, reminiscent of Beijing’s takeover of the Scarborough Shoal in 2012.