China and the Philippines engaged in a violent clash in the South China Sea on Monday, as naval vessels from both countries collided near Second Thomas Shoal. The incident occurred following the enforcement of new regulations aimed at controlling foreign vessels entering the area. The Chinese Coast Guard reported that the collision took place after Philippine and Chinese ships illegally entered the sea near the shoal.
Tensions between the navies and coastguards of the two nations have been escalating in recent months, with the Philippines reaffirming its claim to Second Thomas Shoal. According to China's coast guard, the collision occurred when a Chinese ship attempted to prevent a Philippine vessel from delivering construction materials on Monday morning.
The Coast Guard stated that they took regulatory action in response to the Philippine vessel's unauthorized intrusion. The statement accused the Philippine vessel of deliberately and recklessly approaching the Chinese ships near 'Renai Geo', in violation of international maritime collision prevention rules. The responsibility for the incident was attributed solely to the Philippines, with no reported casualties or damage.
