On September 16, a Philippine official vessel deliberately rammed a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship in the Chinese mainland's territorial waters near Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea. According to CCG spokesperson Gan Yu, more than ten Philippine vessels entered the waters without permission earlier that morning.
The CCG responded with customary warnings, navigation route control, and water cannon measures to disperse the vessels. At around 10 a.m., one Philippine vessel ignored repeated alerts and rammed the CCG ship in what officials described as "unprofessional and dangerous" maneuver. Following the collision, the vessel withdrew after additional warnings and control measures.
This incident highlights the ongoing maritime tensions in the South China Sea, a hotspot for geopolitical competition and a vital route for global trade. As regional players navigate overlapping claims, such clashes underscore the need for clear communication and de-escalation to keep vital sea lanes safe for commerce, travelers, and maritime operations.
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Philippine vessel rams into Chinese ship, retreats after warning
cgtn.com
