China and Philippines trade accusations after Spratly Islands collision

A Chinese coast guard vessel and a Philippine fisheries vessel collided Friday in disputed South China Sea waters, with Beijing and Manila each blaming the other.

• Chinese and Philippine vessels collided Friday about 54 nautical miles off Palawan in the disputed Spratly Islands, with no injuries reported.
• Philippine coast guard spokesperson Jay Tariela said the Chinese vessel deliberately rammed the fisheries vessel as it delivered fuel support to Filipino fishermen.
• Chinese coast guard spokesperson Jiang Lu said the Philippine vessel ignored repeated warnings and deliberately changed course, calling the act a serious violation of international law.
• Jiang Lu warned the Philippines to immediately stop provocation, saying Beijing will continue coast guard operations in waters it considers under Chinese jurisdiction.