ANKARA
China and the Philippines on Sunday accused each other of trespassing and provocation after another maritime confrontation in the disputed South China Sea, local media reports.
China said its coast guard expelled two Philippine vessels that illegally intruded into waters near Tiexian Jiao, part of what Beijing calls its Nansha Qundao, according to state media reports.
“Without permission from the Chinese government, Philippine government vessels on Sunday illegally intruded into adjacent waters of Tiexian Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao,” said China Coast Guard (CCG) spokesperson Liu Dejun.
Despite repeated stern warnings from the Chinese side, Liu said a Philippine vessel dangerously approached a CCG ship conducting a law enforcement mission, causing a collision.
“The CCG took necessary control measures against the Philippine vessels in accordance with law and expelled them, with on-site operations professional, legitimate and lawful,” he said.
"The Philippine move has seriously violated China's territorial sovereignty, contravened the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea," Liu said, urging Manila to immediately stop its "infringement and provocation."
The Philippines rejected the claim, describing China’s move as “another act of aggression.”
According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), a CCG vessel fired a water cannon and rammed a Philippine ship that was anchored off Pag-asa Island to assist local fishermen.
The incident caused minor damage to the vessel but no injuries, the Manila Times reported.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the coast guard would continue to operate in the Kalayaan Island Group and protect Filipino fishermen within the country’s territorial waters.
“The harassment we faced today only strengthens our resolve,” he said.
China and the Philippines have overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea, a key waterway through which trillions of dollars in trade pass each year.