The Philippine and Chinese governments traded blame on Sunday over a collision earlier in the day involving their vessels in waters in the South China Sea.
Manila said a Philippine supply ship heading toward a military base in the Second Thomas Shoal had its path blocked by and collided with a Chinese coast guard vessel. A patrol ship accompanying the supply vessel was also hit by a Chinese maritime militia boat.
There were no reports of injuries from the incident, but the Philippines called China's actions "dangerous, irresponsible, and illegal," and said the lives of the crew members had been endangered.
The China Maritime Safety Administration, meanwhile, said the Philippines was fully responsible for the incident and that the supply ship had deliberately crossed into the path of the Chinese coast guard vessel, resulting in contact with its bow.
The supply ship was contracted by the Philippine armed forces to deliver materials and transport replacement troops to the military base.
The Philippines has continued to conduct supply missions in the Manila-controlled shoal, which is also claimed by Beijing, even as China intensifies its maritime assertiveness in nearby waters.
Earlier this month, a Chinese coast guard vessel came within around one meter of a Philippine patrol boat, according to Manila.
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