BEIJING: China’s defense ministry accused Philippine Coast Guard vessels on Friday of “dangerous maneuvers” in response to reports of a collision earlier this week between two Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea.
The Philippine vessels’ actions “seriously endangered the safety of Chinese vessels and personnel,” ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin.
Jiang neither confirmed nor denied that there had been a collision involving two Chinese vessels on Monday.
“We demand that the Philippine side immediately stop its infringing and provocative rhetoric and actions,” Jiang said. “China reserves the right to take necessary countermeasures.”
The Scarborough Shoal has been a major source of tension in what is a strategic conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce.
