China, Philippines trade barbs after ships collide in South China Sea

China and the Philippines have been caught in a blame game, accusing each other of causing a collision in the South China Sea between their two vessels on Saturday, reported news agency AFP.

A spokesperson for the Chinese coast guard, Liu Dejun posted on social media, saying that the Philippine's ship deliberately collided”l with the Chinese coast guard ship "lin an unprofessional and dangerous manner.

In contrast, Philippine officials in Manila said that their coast guard ship, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, had suffered damage after being rammed thrice by the Chinese coast guards' vessel.

The Philippine ship, the Magbanua, has been anchored in Sabina Shoal, an exclusive economic zone of the country, since mid-April after suspicions that China might be eyeing control over the area.

China recently filed a diplomatic protest against the Philippines due to the Philippines vessel having a prolonged presence in the region.