Chinese Coast Guard rams Philippine boat in South China Sea, sparking diplomatic clash

A diplomatic clash erupted after the Chinese Coast Guard collided with a Philippine government vessel operating on a humanitarian mission in the South China Sea. The incident occurred Friday at 11:13 a.m., about 54 nautical miles off Palawan, an area Manila says lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Footage released by the Philippine Coast Guard shows crew members shouting “Brace for impact!” before the collision. Philippine officials accused Beijing of deliberately ramming a civilian ship, citing maneuvering close to the BRP Datu Magat Salamat’s stern, with no injuries reported. Beijing disputed that account, saying the Philippine vessel cut across after warnings.