China and Philippines Clash Again in South China Sea Dispute

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ear the disputed Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, escalating tensions in the region. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, is the latest in a series of confrontations between the two countries this month.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, despite competing claims and an international court ruling against its position. A Chinese coast guard spokesperson accused the Philippine ship of "deliberately colliding" with a Chinese vessel near Sabina Shoal. They condemned the Philippine actions as "unprofessional and dangerous."

In response, the Philippine Coast Guard claimed that it was the Chinese vessel that intentionally rammed their ship, BRP Teresa Magbanua, three times, causing significant damage but no injuries. The Philippine vessel has been anchored at Sabina Shoal since April to assert Manila's territorial claims.

This incident marks the fifth maritime clash between the two nations this month. The Philippine government has expressed "serious concern" over the repeated encounters, asserting their legal right to operate in the region without interference.

Tensions have been rising as the Philippines accuses China of trying to extend its control deeper into Manila's exclusive economic zone. The repeated clashes have led Manila to label Beijing as the "biggest disruptor" of peace in Southeast Asia.