China and the Philippines have blamed each other after a collision between their coastguard ships, in a new flashpoint between the countries.

The confrontation in the South China Sea happened near Sabina Shoal, a disputed area in the Spratly Islands where overlapping claims are also made by Vietnam and Taiwan.

Officials from the Philippines accused the Chinese of “dangerous manoeuvres” and said two of its coastguard vessels – the BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engano – had been damaged.

China’s coastguard accused the Philippines of deliberately crashing one of its ships into their vessel.

No injuries were reported by either nation.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, of the Philippine coastguard, said: “This is the biggest structural damage we have incurred as a result of the dangerous manoeuvres carried out by the Chinese coastguard.”

The Philippines said it “stands firm” in trying to “ensure the safety and security” of its vessels while facing any “threats” to its national interests.

Gan Yu, spokesman for the Chinese coastguard, said: “The Philippine side is entirely responsible for the collision.

“We warn the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringement and provocation, otherwise it will bear all the consequences arising from that.”

The spokesman claimed a Philippine ship was turned away from Sabina Shoal and had entered waters near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, ignoring the Chinese coastguard’s warnings.

“The Chinese coastguard took control measures against the Philippine ship in accordance with law and regulation,” he added.

Sabina Shoal lies about 87 miles west of the Philippines’ island province of Palawan and has increasingly become a new flashpoint in the territorial disputes with China.

Read more:
Sky News witnesses confrontation in South China Sea
Why has South China Sea become so contentious?

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

China and the Philippines reached an agreement last month in a deal which was hoped would prevent further confrontations over disputed territory in the South China Sea.

A week later, the Philippine navy transported food and personnel without incident to the Second Thomas Shoal, renewing hopes tensions had started to ease.

Related posts:

‘Hope is returning’: Ireland’s PM set out key dates for lifting lockdown Tennis star Naomi Osaka pulls out of French Open after fine for skipping news conferences Top oil firm boss warns not to ‘demonise’ industry despite global push to hit climate targets ‘So beautiful’: Santa gets a boyfriend in Christmas ad – prompting praise and tears ‘We may see more loss of life over the coming days’: Australia’s flooding death toll increases to 12 Hong Kong leader defends plans for health codes to tackle COVID amid privacy concerns ‘Words can be dangerous here’: Anti-lockdown protesters in China urge others to join them Riots erupt in Brussels after Morocco pull off World Cup upset beating Belgium Priest among five arrested after police seize jewellery worth £52m ‘Come as a guest, leave as a friend’: What is life like for asylum seekers in Rwanda? Man dies after falling from hot air balloon Who is 28-year-old far-right leader who could be France’s next prime minister?