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South China Sea
ChinaDiplomacy

Chinese coastguard alleges ‘illegal intrusion’ by Philippines near disputed Sabina Shoal

  • Third face-off in a week sees Philippine vessels accused of ‘dangerously’ approaching Chinese coastguard ships on normal patrol at shoal

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Latest confrontation comes hours after the Philippines accused the Chinese coastguard of using water cannons on a fisheries bureau supply ship. Photo: Philippine Coast Guard via AP
Alyssa Chen
The Chinese coastguard said it took “control measures” against two Philippine ships that “illegally intruded” into waters off Sabina Shoal on Monday – the third confrontation near the disputed South China Sea atoll within a week.

Hours earlier, both sides had put out statements blaming the other after their vessels collided near the shoal on Sunday, in a repeat of a similar face-off in the area on August 19.

A Chinese coastguard statement published on Monday afternoon said Philippine coastguard vessels 4409 and 4411 had “illegally intruded” into waters near Sabina Shoal “without the permission of the Chinese government”.

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“They continuously and dangerously approached Chinese coastguard ships conducting normal navigation,” the statement said.

The Chinese coastguard responded with control measures against the Philippine vessels involved, in accordance with the law and regulations, it added.

01:57
South China Sea: China, Philippines trade blame after second collision at Sabina Shoal

While the Chinese statement did not specify when the incident took place, the Philippine coastguard announced early on Monday that it was sending two ships – the BRP Cape Engaño and BRP Cabra – on “a humanitarian mission” to the BRP Teresa Magbanua.

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