PH, China trade blame over West Philippine Sea collisions

CNN Philippines

Manila and Beijing trading blame over two collisions in the West Philippine Sea. There are no reports of injuries or significant damage to the vessels involved. But the incidents are further fueling maritime tensions with foreign nations condemning China's actions.  The full story from our senior correspondent David Santos.  Visit our website for more #NewsYouCanTrust: https://www.cnnphilippines.com/  Follow our social media pages:  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNNPhilippines • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnnphilippines/ • Twitter: https://twitter.com/cnnphilippines

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00:00 This video capturing the actual moment when the bow of Chinese Coast Guard ship 5203 hitting

00:08 the starboard of Filipino supply boat MV UNIZA MAY 2.

00:14 In another video, those on board UNIZA MAY, feeling the jolt brought about by the collision

00:22 with the Chinese vessel.

00:24 The video also shows what appears to be a damaged part of the Filipino boat.

00:30 In what is seen as a rare move, Beijing also releasing its own video to counter Manila's

00:36 claims in a statement the China Coast Guard insists it was the Filipino boat that crossed

00:41 the path of its ship despite repeated warnings.

00:45 Manila also accusing a Chinese maritime militia vessel of bumping into the Philippine Coast

00:50 Guard's BRP Cabra while sailing near Ayungin or Second Thomas Shoal.

00:56 China again putting the blame on the Philippine Coast Guard ship for this incident.

01:01 Near collisions have become far too common in this part of the West Philippine Sea every

01:06 time Philippine vessels carry out supply missions for troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre.

01:13 Chinese and Filipino vessels have sailed dangerously close to each other, sometimes just a few

01:18 feet apart.

01:20 But this is the first time their recurring sea confrontations led to not just one, but

01:25 two mishaps.

01:27 Manila strongly condemning Beijing's latest actions, calling it dangerous, irresponsible,

01:32 and illegal.

01:33 China, on the other hand, warning the Philippines against resorting to what it calls provocations

01:39 to stoke more tensions.

01:41 Both countries trading accusations of violating maritime laws that undermine navigation safety.

01:49 A number of ally nations expressing support for the Philippines, including the United

01:53 States.

01:54 The European Union embassy describes the increasing tensions as "very disturbing."

02:00 The U.S. also condemning China's latest aggression, citing the risks Filipinos have to deal with

02:07 during these resupply missions.

02:09 As a longtime treaty ally, Washington has reiterated that it is ready to defend Manila

02:14 when any of its ships and aircraft come under attack.

02:18 David Santos, CNN Philippines.

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