Philippines accuses China of using 'excessive force' to block food delivery to Shoal

China's aggressive actions escalated tensions in the South China Sea as 40 Chinese vessels blocked Philippine supply ships from reaching a disputed shoal, hindering resupply efforts for Manila's largest coast guard ship, Philippine officials said Tuesday (Aug 27).

A day earlier, China and the Philippines blamed each other for the confrontation -the Philippines claimed that China rammed into the ship and also used water cannons on Monday (Aug 26) in Sabina Shoal, an unoccupied atoll both countries claim and has become the latest flashpoint in the Sprawls.

Tensions have risen over Sabina as both China and the Philippines have dispatched coast guard vessels to the fishing atoll, each fearing the other may attempt to claim and develop it.

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Notably, the fighting has particularly intensified between China and the Philippines since last year and Monday’s confrontation was the sixth the two sides have reported in the high seas and in the air.

The quarrel has sparked concerns of a larger conflict that could involve the United States, the longtime treaty ally of the Philippines.

According to the Philippine coast guard, the excessive force of Chinese coast guard and navy ships, along with 31 suspected militia vessels, illegally obstructed the delivery of the food supplies, including an ice cream treat for the personnel aboard the BRP Teresa Magbanua as the Philippines marked National Heroes’ Day on Monday.

The Philippine coast guard reaffirmed its dedication to protecting national interests and safeguarding its territorial waters, urging China to adhere to international law and refrain from actions that could jeopardize bilateral relations.

Meanwhile in Beijing, China’s coast guard said that it took control measures against two Philippine coast guard ships that intruded into waters near Sabina Shoal.

According to the China’s coast guard statement, Philippine ships escalated the situation by repetitively approaching a Chinese coast guard ship. 

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However the Chinese coast guard did not say what control measures it took.

China has swiftly extended its military and has become increasingly assertive in pursuing its territorial claims in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety. 

Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated, leading to more frequent clashes between China and the Philippines, as well as other claimants including Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei.

(With inputs from agencies)