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.

The accident happened during a confrontation with Philippine coastguard and fishing boats near the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

China criticised the Philippines for its ‘malign’ moves in Monday’s incident, saying it had ‘seriously harmed peace and stability at sea’.