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South China Sea: China warns Philippines again after third collision at Sabina Shoal
China Coast Guard says Philippine side ‘will bear all the consequences’ if it does not stop escalating the situation at disputed atoll
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Hayley Wongin Beijing
The Chinese coastguard on Saturday issued its fourth warning in a week against Philippine vessel movements near the contested Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, as both sides accused the other of yet another “deliberate collision”.
According to China Coast Guard (CCG) spokesman Liu Dejun, the Philippine coastguard ship BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) “deliberately collided with the Chinese CCG 5205” around noon on Saturday, after “continuous manoeuvres and … provocations” since the morning.
The Chinese side had issued warnings and followed the Philippine coastguard vessel before the collision, he said.
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Saturday’s was the third collision between the two sides in two weeks, as tensions grow over rival territorial claims in the vast, resource-rich South China Sea.
“We once again warn the Philippines to face up to reality and give up on illusions, and that withdrawing [the BRP Teresa Magbanua] immediately on its own is the only correct way,” Liu said.
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