China Philippines South China Sea

China-Philippines collision sparks tensions in South China Sea

Interim deal in doubt after latest incident

Beijing and Manila accuse each other of dangerous maneuvers

A Chinese vessel and a Philippine supply ship collided near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea on Monday, escalating tensions between the two countries.

The collision occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time, according to the Philippine military. The Philippine ship, the BRP Sierra Madre, was anchored at Second Thomas Shoal, which is claimed by both China and the Philippines.

The Chinese ship, the Yuexin, was reportedly attempting to block the Philippine ship from delivering supplies to the marines stationed on the shoal.

No one was injured in the collision, but the incident has raised concerns about the possibility of further escalation in the South China Sea.

The United States has condemned the collision, calling it a "provocative and dangerous" act by China.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions between China and the Philippines over the disputed waters.

In 2012, China seized Scarborough Shoal, another disputed area in the South China Sea. The Philippines has since filed a case against China at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

The court is expected to rule on the case later this year.

Impact of the collision

* Increased tensions between China and the Philippines * Fears of further escalation in the South China Sea * Condemnation from the United States * Impact on the Philippine case against China at the Permanent Court of Arbitration

What's next?

* The Philippine government has lodged a diplomatic protest with China over the collision. * The United States has called for calm and restraint from both sides. * The Permanent Court of Arbitration is expected to rule on the Philippine case against China later this year.

The collision between the Chinese and Philippine ships is a reminder of the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.

The dispute over the waters is a complex one, with several countries claiming all or part of the area.

The United States has said it does not take sides in the dispute, but it has also called for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.