Why China Rammed a Philippine Ship While 60 Minutes Was on Board

China's Aggression in the South China Sea

On February 2, 2023, a Chinese coast guard ship rammed a Philippine coast guard ship in the South China Sea. The incident occurred while a crew from the CBS news program 60 Minutes was on board the Philippine ship.

The incident is the latest in a series of aggressive actions by China in the South China Sea. China claims sovereignty over most of the sea, even though other countries, including the Philippines, also have claims. China has been building artificial islands in the sea and militarizing them.

The Ramming Incident

The ramming incident occurred about 100 miles west of Palawan, an island in the Philippines. The Chinese ship was part of a group of three Chinese coast guard ships that were shadowing the Philippine ship.

The Philippine ship was on a mission to resupply a Philippine Navy ship that was anchored near Second Thomas Shoal, a reef that is claimed by both the Philippines and China.

The Chinese ships ordered the Philippine ship to leave the area. When the Philippine ship did not comply, one of the Chinese ships rammed it.

The Response

The Philippine government has condemned the ramming incident. The United States has also condemned the incident and called on China to stop its provocative actions in the South China Sea.

China has defended its actions, saying that the Philippine ship was trespassing in Chinese waters. China has also accused the United States of interfering in the dispute.

The Implications

The ramming incident is a serious escalation of tensions in the South China Sea. It shows that China is willing to use force to assert its claims in the sea.

The incident could also have implications for the US-China relationship. The United States has been trying to improve relations with China, but the ramming incident could make that more difficult.