A Philippine Navy sailor was “severely injured” after ships from China and the Philippines collided Monday morning near a disputed archipelago in the South China Sea, the Philippine military said on Tuesday, the latest in a series of maritime confrontations that have increased tensions in the vital waterway.
Each side blamed the other for the collision, which occurred between a Chinese vessel and a Philippine supply ship near the Spratly Islands.
Chinese state media said that the Philippine vessel had “ignored multiple stern warnings” and had behaved “dangerously and in an unprofessional manner,” causing the boats to collide. The Philippines said that Chinese naval, coast guard and naval militia vessels had engaged in “illegal and aggressive actions,” including what it called “ramming.”
The U.S. ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, condemned what she called China’s “dangerous maneuvers,” saying that they had “caused bodily injury” and damage to the Philippine vessel.
