China and Philippines Trade Blame as Ships Collide in South China Sea

• China and the Philippines have accused each other of ramming coast guard vessels near the Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea.
• The Philippines claims a Chinese ship 'directly and intentionally rammed' its vessel, while China accuses the Philippines of 'deliberately' crashing into a Chinese ship.
• This incident is part of a long-running dispute over various islands and zones in the South China Sea, with at least three other incidents reported in the past two weeks.
• The South China Sea is a major shipping route, with Beijing claiming almost all of it, including parts claimed by the Philippines and other countries.
• The US has condemned China's actions, while observers worry the dispute could escalate into a larger confrontation.

Source: BBC