China-Philippines Row: Tensions between China and the Philippines continue in the South China Sea. A new controversy has arisen due to clashes between ships of China and the Philippines. According to media reports, an agreement was made in July to reduce tensions between the two countries, but now it is not working.
In fact, the dispute has arisen due to the collision between the China-Philippines coastguard ships in the disputed part of the South China Sea. Both are blaming each other. This dispute started when the Philippines deployed its largest coastguard ship in April. China objected to this move of the Philippines, calling it illegal.
What allegations are China and Philippines making?
Philippines alleged that the Chinese ship deliberately hit its ship. China also alleged that the Philippines ship had hit its ship. On Saturday (31 August), this collision took place between the ships of both the countries at Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea. There is also a dispute between the two over some islands in the South China Sea. There are many areas where both are making their own claims.
What did the Chinese Foreign Ministry say?
On Monday (September 2), the spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry gave information on this matter. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the reason for the tension in Sabina Shoal is the presence of the Philippines Coast Guard ship which has been present there for a long time. China accused the Philippines and said that its intention is to occupy this area. China has demanded that this ship should be removed from here as soon as possible.
What did the Philippines say?
Some pictures were released by the Philippines which showed the damage to its ship. The Philippines claimed that China deliberately hit the ship three times, due to which a big hole was created in it. Philippines officials informed that China is unnecessarily creating a dispute in this area.
China took aggressive action
China fired on the Philippines in the South China Sea on 19, 25 and 31 August, which the Australian government informed about on Monday and expressed concern over it. The Australian Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying, Australia agrees with the Philippines’ condemnation of this action of China. This will further increase tension in the South China Sea.
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