Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, ignoring an international ruling that the assertion has no legal basis.
Agence France-Presse was one of several media outlets that witnessed the incident after journalists were invited to join two Philippine coastguard boats on a six-day patrol of the waters, visiting a dozen islands and reefs.
Advertisement
The Philippine vessels approached Second Thomas Shoal, known in China as Ren’ai Jiao, in the Spratly archipelago.
As one boat, the BRP Malapascua, which was carrying Filipino journalists, neared the shoal, a Chinese coastguard vessel more than twice its size sailed into its path.
Agence France-Presse journalists watched the incident from the other Philippine coastguard boat, which was less than a kilometre (0.6 miles) away.
The Malapascua’s commanding officer said the Chinese ship came within 45 metres of his boat and only his quick actions avoided the steel-hulled vessels crashing into each other.
The Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday that the Philippine boats had “intruded” without China’s permission and called it a “premeditated and provocative action.”
Advertisement
But Manila hit back, saying that “routine patrols in our own waters can be neither premeditated or provocative” and insisting they will continue to conduct the patrols.
02:30
Philippines, China pledge to improve relations amid South China Sea dispute
Advertisement
Marcos has insisted he will not let China trample on the Philippines’ rights in the sea, and has gravitated toward the United States as he seeks to strengthen defence ties.
This shift has alarmed China, which has accused Washington of trying to drive a wedge between Beijing and Manila.