Philippines Summons Chinese Ambassador Over Vessel Collision in Its Waters

There were no reports of injuries but the Philippines said the Chinese vessels’ actions imperiled the safety of the crew aboard the its ships.

A Chinese coast guard ship with bow number 5203 after bumping a Philippine supply boat as it approached Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin Shoal, in the South China Sea, on Oct. 22, 2023. Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP

The Philippines on Oct. 23 summoned China’s ambassador after a Chinese coast guard ship made “dangerous blocking maneuvers” against a Philippine ship that was operating within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, causing a collision.

The collision occurred on Oct. 22, when the Philippine boat, which was attempting to deliver supplies to troops stationed at Ayungin Shoal, had its path blocked and collided with a Chinese coast guard ship.