A collision between ships from China and the Philippines at Sabina Shoal in the disputed South China Sea has resulted in both countries blaming each other for the incident. The collision took place early on Monday morning at Sabina Shoal, located west of the Philippine island of Palawan. China accused the Philippines of illegally entering the waters around the atoll and intentionally colliding with a Chinese ship. The Philippines, on the other hand, stated that China was at fault, engaging in aggressive maneuvers near the shoal and causing damage to two Philippine coastguard ships.
This incident adds to the rising tensions between Manila and Beijing, who have been at odds over territorial claims in the South China Sea. Just two weeks prior to the collision at Sabina Shoal, there was an air incident between the Chinese and Philippine militaries at Scarborough Shoal. Additionally, the two countries had recently reached a provisional agreement over issues at Second Thomas Shoal.
The Philippine Coast Guard had deployed a patrol ship to Sabina in response to concerns about China’s activities in the area. China also later deployed a ship to Sabina, highlighting the strategic importance of the location near Second Thomas Shoal. The collision at Sabina Shoal serves as another flashpoint in the ongoing tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea.
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