Tensions between China and the Philippines flared on Saturday as both nations blamed each other for a series of vessel collisions near the contested Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea. The latest incident adds to the ongoing maritime disputes in the region, which have seen frequent confrontations between the two countries.

The Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) accused a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship of “deliberately colliding” with one of its vessels while it was conducting routine law enforcement operations. According to CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun, the Philippine vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua collided with the Chinese ship No. 5205 in a “dangerous and unprofessional manner,” holding the Philippines fully responsible for the incident.

In contrast, the Philippine Coast Guard offered a different account, alleging that the Chinese vessel had “deliberately rammed” the BRP Teresa Magbanua three times without provocation. PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela stated that the Chinese actions were aggressive and unprovoked, heightening the already tense situation in the disputed waters.

The Sabina Shoal, also known as Xianbin Reef, is a strategically significant area located just 86 miles from the Philippine coast and 745 miles from China. This disputed territory has been a flashpoint for repeated confrontations between Chinese and Philippine forces, as both nations assert their claims over the region. The ongoing incidents have raised concerns among neighboring countries and the international community.

The United States swiftly condemned China’s actions, with State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller accusing Beijing of “deliberately colliding” with the Philippine vessel. The U.S. urged China to adhere to international law and refrain from any further destabilizing behavior in the South China Sea, reiterating its support for the Philippines, a key ally in the region.

This escalation comes on the heels of a recent, albeit temporary, agreement between Beijing and Manila aimed at reducing tensions over another disputed reef in the South China Sea. However, the latest collisions suggest that the fragile peace in the region remains at risk, with potential implications for broader regional stability.