The Philippines has accused China of deliberately ramming a Philippine government vessel and causing minor damage near Thitu Island in the disputed Spratly Islands. The Philippine coastguard said the Chinese ship also fired a water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, operated by Manila’s fisheries bureau, at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday. No crew were injured.

China, however, blamed the Philippines for the collision, claiming the Philippine vessel “dangerously approached” its ship and ignored repeated warnings. Chinese coastguard spokesman Liu Dejun said the Philippine side bore “full responsibility” for the incident.

The Philippine coastguard described China’s actions as “bullying,” with Commodore Jay Tarriela posting video evidence showing the brief collision and water cannon use. Coastguard chief Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the incident reinforced Manila’s determination to protect its territory.

The South China Sea remains a frequent flashpoint, with Beijing claiming nearly the entire region despite a UN-backed tribunal ruling that its claims lack legal basis. Thitu Island, known in the Philippines as Pag-asa, is the largest inhabited island under Philippine control in the Spratlys, home to both a military garrison and a small fishing community.