Tensions Flare Over South China Sea After Vessels Collide
- Manila says incident being taken seriously at highest level
- China says Philippines must stop provocations, smear campaign
The image released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines show a Chinese vessel and Philippine coast guard vessel at the disputed South China Sea on Oct. 22.
Source: Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP
Tensions over the South China Sea escalated Monday with China filing a diplomatic complaint, the Philippines summoning Beijing’s ambassador, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordering a probe a day after vessels from both nations collided in the disputed waters.
A China Coast Guard vessel collided with a Philippines-contracted resupply boat early morning Sunday. Two hours later, Manila said a Chinese maritime militia boat ran into a Philippine coast guard ship during the same operation to deliver supplies to an outpost in Second Thomas Shoal.