China and Philippines trade blame over South China Sea clash

Fresh accusations have surfaced between Beijing and Manila following a maritime clash in the South China Sea, coinciding with China's top diplomat's expected attendance at the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in the Philippines.

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ignored our repeated and explicit warnings, rapidly approached in a dangerous manner and rammed the Chinese patrol vessel from the front

The China Coast Guard reported that on Monday morning, two rubber dinghies were "illegally" launched from the Philippine Navy's BRP Sierra Madre, a vessel that has been grounded on Second Thomas Shoal for approximately 27 years. According to the Chinese agency, these Philippine vessels disregarded repeated warnings, approached dangerously, and rammed the Chinese coastguard vessel.

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first used tools such as oars and long sticks to maliciously attack Chinese law enforcement officers

China further alleged that Philippine personnel attacked Chinese law enforcement officers with oars and long sticks. The China Coast Guard asserted that it responded with "measures in accordance with laws and regulations," including verbal warnings and maneuvering to avoid collision, while exercising "utmost rationality and restraint" to de-escalate the situation.

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took measures in accordance with laws and regulations – including issuing verbal warnings, manoeuvring to avoid the vessel, and implementing reciprocal countermeasures – to stabilise the situation on the ground, exercising the utmost rationality and restraint

Beijing accused Manila of distorting facts and falsely implicating China, demanding an immediate cessation of infringements and provocations. The China Coast Guard reiterated its commitment to conducting law enforcement activities to safeguard its rights in the South China Sea and resolutely uphold China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests.

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distorting the facts and falsely incriminating China