China and the Philippines exchanged blame over a clash on Friday in disputed waters in the South China Sea, further fuelling tensions over the strategic waterway that has become a dangerous regional flashpoint. In a brief statement released on Friday afternoon, China’s coastguard accused a Philippine vessel of deliberately ramming a Chinese patrol vessel near the contested Sabina Shoal. “Philippine vessel No 3015 intentionally adjusted its course and suddenly accelerated to cut across the bow of...
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September 18, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Collision near Sabina Shoal sparks fresh escalation between China and the Philippines
SCMP China