China blames Philippines for ship collision in South China Sea. Manila calls the report deceptive
The HinduA Chinese vessel and a Philippine supply ship collided near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea on June 17, China’s coast guard said, in the latest flare-up of escalating territorial disputes that have sparked alarm. The Philippines says the shoal falls within its internationally recognized exclusive economic zone and often cites a 2016 international arbitration ruling invalidating China’s expansive South China Sea claims based on historical grounds. Meanwhile, the Philippine military called the Chinese coast guard’s report “deceptive and misleading,” and said it would “not discuss operational details on the legal humanitarian rotation and resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal, which is well within our exclusive economic zone.” It used the Philippine name for the shoal, where Filipino navy personnel have transported food, medicine and other supplies to a long-grounded warship that has served as Manila’s territorial outpost. “It should now be clear to the international community that China’s actions are the true obstacles to peace and stability in the South China Sea.” The United States condemned China's “aggressive, dangerous manoeuvres” near the shoal, which “caused bodily injury, damaged Philippine vessels and hindered lawful maritime operations to supply food, water and essential supplies to Philippine personnel within the Philippine exclusive economic zone,” U.S.