China and Philippines clash after coast guard collision in South China Sea

A collision between a Chinese Coast Guard vessel and a Philippine government ship has triggered fresh tensions in the South China Sea. The incident happened on Friday while the Philippine vessel was delivering fuel to fishermen near Palawan, an area Manila says is inside its exclusive economic zone. Philippine officials said the Chinese ship deliberately rammed the BRP Datu Magat Salamat after making repeated close passes. Images released by the Philippine side showed damage to railings and deck equipment, but no one was hurt. China offered a different account, saying the Philippine vessel changed course and accelerated into the Chinese ship despite warnings. The confrontation drew a response from the United States, which condemned the Chinese Coast Guard's actions. The clash is the latest in a series of maritime incidents between the two countries in disputed waters.