China accuses Philippine vessel of provocation, collision in South China Sea

The China Coast Guard accused a Philippine vessel of illegally entering waters near Xianbin Reef in the Nansha Islands and distorting facts about an encounter with Chinese coast guard ships, a spokesman said on Sunday.

Gan Yu, a spokesman for the China Coast Guard, said the Philippine vessel No 3002 ignored repeated warnings from Chinese authorities on Sunday and approached Xianbin Reef in a provocative manner. Gan claimed the vessel maneuvered hazardously and deliberately collided with Chinese Coast Guard vessel No 21551, which was patrolling the area. He said the Philippines is fully responsible for the collision.

According to Gan, reporters on board the Philippine vessel distorted facts and sensationalized the incident. He stated that the Chinese Coast Guard monitored the vessel and acted to obstruct and expel it in a "professional, standardized, and lawful manner."

Gan accused the Philippines of carrying out "a series of highly provocative and disruptive actions" that he said violated China's territorial sovereignty and breached the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. He said the actions significantly destabilized regional peace and stability.

"We urge the Philippines to immediately halt their provocative actions, misinformation, and sensationalism; otherwise, they will bear full responsibility for all ensuing consequences," Gan said.

Gan reaffirmed China's claim of sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including Xianbin Reef and its surrounding waters. He added that the China Coast Guard will continue to protect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in accordance with the law.