Maritime Collision in the South China Sea
The Chinese Coast Guard responded to an alleged deliberate collision by a Philippine vessel against a Chinese coast guard ship near Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal), stating that all consequences would be borne by the Philippine side.
On December 4th, an incident occurred in China’s claimed territorial waters near Huangyan Island when Philippine vessels, including coast guard and civilian ships, entered the area. According to Chinese officials, the Philippine vessel BRP 3003 deliberately turned at a sharp angle and collided with Chinese Coast Guard vessel 3302, despite multiple warnings.
The incident highlights several key maritime and legal considerations:
The location of the collision falls within China’s claimed exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), coastal states have certain sovereign rights within their EEZ, particularly regarding environmental protection and resource management.
The Chinese Coast Guard maintains that the Philippine vessel violated international maritime regulations, specifically Rule 15 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). This rule establishes obligations for vessels to avoid collision risks when crossing paths.
Maritime experts note that the Philippine vessel BRP 3003 was the “give-way vessel” in this situation, meaning it had the responsibility to avoid creating dangerous situations. The Chinese Coast Guard ship maintained its speed and course during the incident, which aligns with standard maritime practice for the “stand-on vessel.”
The incident has broader implications for regional maritime security and highlights the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Both nations have different interpretations of the events, with China emphasizing its territorial sovereignty while the Philippines maintains its own claims to the area.
The Chinese response demonstrates their approach to maritime enforcement in contested waters, combining verbal warnings, water cannon deployment, and maintenance of position while documenting incidents for potential legal proceedings.