Philippines charges China with causing damage to its ship in the disputed South China Sea shelf

At the crucial South China Sea battleground of Scarborough Shoal, the Philippine Coast Guard said that two of its ships held their position. However, one of the vessels was damaged when two Chinese coast guard ships used water cannons against it.

In a contentious region of the South China Sea, the Philippines accused China’s coast guard on Tuesday of harassing and destroying one of its boats. Beijing’s claim that it had driven out two vessels from the shoal was also dismissed by Manila.

At the crucial South China Sea battleground of Scarborough Shoal, the Philippine Coast Guard said that two of its ships held their position. However, one of the vessels was damaged when two Chinese coast guard ships used water cannons against it.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela said in a statement, “This damage serves as evidence of the forceful water pressure used by the China Coast Guard in their harassment of the Philippine vessels.”

“They were not deterred and will persist in carrying out their legitimate operations to support Filipino fishermen and ensure their safety.”

The strategically positioned Scarborough Shoal, a popular fishing area frequented by multiple nations and adjacent to important shipping channels, is not under the control of any one nation. The shoal is located within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.

The atoll has been held by China for over ten years, and in recent years, there have been several conflicts in the waters surrounding its lagoon, which has long served as a haven for ships during storms.

The warships had been evicted, according to China’s coast guard, but it did not elaborate on the incident.

According to the Philippine’s Tarriela, China has erected a floating barrier at the entrance of the shoal, “effectively restricting access to the area,” and the ship, the BRP Bagacay, sustained damage to its canopy and railing.

Both nations have accused one other of unlawful behavior at the shoal, and the Philippines has called a Chinese ambassador to clarify what it regards as hostile maneuvers. The Philippines is usually accused of invading China’s land.

Tensions have recently grown as the Philippines forges closer diplomatic and military connections with the United States, despite China and the Philippines’ previous declarations that they will work to improve communications and management of clashes in the wide South China Sea.

Nearly the whole South China Sea, which is a route for more than $3 trillion in yearly shipborne trade, is under Chinese jurisdiction; however, certain areas are also claimed by Brunei, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

China has rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling that China’s broad claim lacked legal support.