Beijing: Beijing and Manila on Friday issued conflicting claims over a fresh vessel "collision" in the disputed South China Sea, blaming each other, according to statements from the two sides.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) stated that a Philippines vessel 'ignored repeated warnings and suddenly cut across a CCG boat's bow near Xianbin Jiao, causing a collision,' as reported by the Beijing-based daily Global Times. Xianbin Jiao, also known as Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, is a disputed low-tide elevation atoll located in the Spratly Islands. China accused the Philippines of being 'fully responsible for the actions, which seriously violated international law and threatened the safety of CCG vessels.'

However, the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Jay Tarriela countered these allegations, stating that it was the Chinese vessel CCG-21585 which 'rammed BRP Datu Magat Salamat (MMOV 3015) . as it carried out its maritime patrol to deliver fuel subsidy to our fishermen.' Tarriela claimed that even after the initial collision, CCG-21585 conducted another dangerous maneuver, passing dead astern at a distance of only about 5 meters (16 feet). He shared this statement on the US social media platform X.

Tarriela emphasized that the incident took place off the coast of the Philippine province of Palawan 'well within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.' He clarified the mission of the Philippine vessel, stating, 'Let us be clear about what this vessel was doing: it was bringing fuel to Filipino fishermen so they can keep fishing in our own waters and keep food on Filipino tables. The China Coast Guard deliberately rammed a civilian government vessel on a humanitarian and livelihood mission, endangering the lives of its Filipino crew.'

In response, the CCG urged the Philippine side to 'stop all acts of infringement and provocation,' warning that Manila 'would bear the consequences.' This latest maritime incident highlights the ongoing tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, where the two countries have repeatedly confronted each other over competing territorial claims.