Philippines blames China for collision of ships

The Philippine military on Tuesday blamed China for the collision of two Chinese navy and coast guard ships while trying to drive the Philippine coast guard and fishermen from a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. It said it would assess how to respond to Beijing's use of military force against civilians.

- BY JIM GOMEZ

A DAMAGED Chinese coast guard ship, right, is seen beside a Chinese navy vessel after they collided.

Philippine authorities said Monday's accidental collision resulted in visibly heavy damage to the Chinese coast guard and navy ships and possible injuries.

The confrontation near the Scarborough Shoal was the latest flareup of the long-simmering territorial standoff in the contested waters, a long-feared flash point in Asia.

The United States, a longtime treaty ally of the Philippines, on Tuesday condemned the “latest reckless action by China directed against a Philippine vessel.”

The Chinese coast guard on Monday blamed Philippine vessels for the confrontation and said it was forced to expel the vessels after they intruded into “China’s inherent territory,” despite warnings. It did not mention the collision or possible casualties.