Overview

• The Philippine Coast Guard reports a Chinese coast guard vessel used water cannons and then deliberately struck the BRP Datu Pagbuaya near Thitu in the Spratly Islands.
• Manila says three Philippine government vessels were anchored to safeguard local fishermen when Chinese ships approached and escalated the encounter.
• China’s coast guard disputes the account, alleging two Philippine government vessels entered illegally near Sandy Cay and assigning full responsibility for the collision to the Philippines.
• A Chinese statement cited ship identifiers, saying Philippine vessels 3002 and 3003 neared CCG 21559 during law enforcement operations, with the clash lasting about an hour.
• Philippine authorities report light damage to the Filipino boat and no injuries, and they affirm continued operations to protect fishermen in the contested area.