China and Philippines accuse each other of ramming ships in the South China Sea

China and the Philippines accused each other on Saturday of ramming their ships in a disputed area of ​​the South China Sea, the latest incident in a series of clashes in the vital waterway.

The Chinese coast guard said a Filipino ship that was “illegally stranded on the Sabina Reef” weighed anchor and “intentionally rammed” a Chinese ship. The Philippine coast guard said a Chinese ship “intentionally rammed one of Manila's ships.”

Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. Parts of the waterway, through which $3 trillion worth of trade is carried annually, are believed to be rich in oil and natural gas reserves as well as fish stocks.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration concluded that China's far-reaching claims lacked any legal basis. Beijing rejects this ruling.

Liu Dejun, a spokesman for the Chinese coast guard, called on the Philippines in a statement to immediately withdraw from the shoal.

“The Chinese Coast Guard will take necessary measures to resolutely thwart all provocations, harassment and rights violations, and resolutely protect the country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Liu said. Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela told a news conference that the Chinese Coast Guard ignored collision regulations and conducted dangerous maneuvers that caused damage, but that no casualties were reported.