China accused Philippine ships of entering their territorial waters on Monday.
The accusation came after the Philippines conveyed its “strongest protest” against China, regarding an attack using water cannon carried out by Chinese coast guard troops which injured a member of the Philippine navy crew and caused serious damage to their ship in the disputed South China Sea area.
Two Chinese coast guard ships hit a Philippine navy-operated supply boat with water cannons on Saturday (23/3) in the latest and most serious confrontation between two Asian countries claiming each other near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. The shoal area itself has been surrounded by Chinese ships, in an attempt to drive Filipino troops from the area.
In a daily briefing to media, China's foreign ministry spokesman, Lin Jian, defended the actions of the country's coast guard as “lawful” and “under control.” He also warned the Philippines that China would take “decisive action” if it did not stop what they called “provocative actions”.
“In the face of illegal intrusions by Filipino boats, China's coast guard has taken necessary law enforcement measures. Their response on the scene was lawful, professional, and controlled, and beyond reproach. “China demands that the Philippines immediately stop its provocative actions and, if they continue, China will continue to take firm action to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Lin said.
Recurring high seas confrontations since last year have sparked fears of a larger conflict that could put China and the United States on a collision course. (ns/rs)