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Has a naval war already started?
Tensions continue to escalate following new collision in the South China Sea
© Getty Images
All eyes are currently on the South China Sea, where collisions between Chinese and Philippine ships near the disputed Sabina Shoal escalated tensions between the two countries. Both sides blame each other for an incident that occurred on August 19, when the Chinese Coast Guard rammed a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, resulting in damage to at least two Philippine vessels. China accused the Philippines of deliberately causing the collision, while the Philippines claimed their ships were maneuvering to avoid aggressive actions by Chinese vessels. No injuries were reported.
More recently, on August 25, the Philippines accused China of ramming a vessel from their fisheries bureau and firing water canons. The vessel was approached by eight Chinese ships, including a warship from the People’s Liberation Army Navy. In response to the allegations, China claimed that the Philippine ship “refused to accept control” by a Chinese coast guard ship and “deliberately collided” with it. The next day, China reportedly deployed 40 ships, including three navy warships, to block two Philippine Coast Guard vessels, claiming that they “intruded” into waters near Sabina Shoal. Experts say Sabina Shaol is fast becoming a third confrontation point where these collisions could easily escalate into a full-blown conflict with devastating consequences. Earlier this year, the president of the Philippines had described China's conduct in the region as very close to an "act of war."
So, how close are we to witnessing disputes of this kind fueling a global maritime conflict? Click through and learn more about the threat Russia and China pose to world peace.
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