DSP - Tensions Rise after Collision between Chinese and Philippine Ships

PHILIPPINES-CHINA-US-MARITIME-PROTEST

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Earlier this week there was a collision between two ships in the South China Sea. One of them was a Chinese vessel and the other was a Philippine boat used for fishing. 22 crew members from the Philippine boat, the FB Gimber1, were left by the Chinese vessel and were stuck until a ship from Vietnam came by.

The South China Sea is a disputed area and both China and the Philippines have claimed it.

People from the Philippines have spoken out against the collision.

Delfin Lorenzana, the Defense Secretary, has said, "This is not the expected action from a responsible and friendly people".

A presidential spokesperson, Salvador Panelo, says, "Regardless of the nature of the collision, whether it was accidental or intentional, common decency and the dictates of humanity require immediate saving of the crew of the downed Philippine vessel".

However, this ordeal is putting the spotlight on Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippine president.

He has been harsh on other countries such as Canada and the United States, but seems to back off when it comes to China.

Director of the University of the Philippines' Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, Jay Batongbacal, says, "It might be said that China is now abusing the government's inaction. ...that's why something like this could happen, so close to our shores, against our own citizens".

To read more on the story, check out this Washington Post article.

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