Phl rejects responsibility for China vessel crash

The Philippines is rejecting blame for the collision between two Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal earlier this week, an incident that took place as the China Coast Guard vessel involved was chasing a Philippine vessel delivering supplies to Filipino fishermen in the area.

- 

The crash happened on Monday when a CCG vessel tailing Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Suluan suddenly ploughed into a People's Liberation Army Navy vessel that had cut across its path.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday, August 15, that the collision was an unfortunate outcome, but not one caused by the actions of the Philippine vessels.

“The Philippines bears no responsibility for the collision between the [People's Liberation Army Navy] vessel and the CCG vessel in Bajo de Masinloc. It was an unfortunate outcome, but not one caused by our actions,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro said in a statement on Friday, August 15, and using the Philippine name for Scarborough Shoal.