Chinese and Philippine authorities traded barbs after their ships came close to collision in the South China Sea on April 23, in yet another sign of continued tensions over contested waters as both sides accused one another of intrusion and provocation.
Two Chinese coast guard vessels blocked Philippine patrol boats in the vicinity of Ayungin shoal on April 23, with one of the ships carrying out “dangerous manoeuvres” and came within 50 yards of the Southeast Asian nation’s boat, according to its coast guard on Friday.
