The Philippines on Wednesday condemned the collision incident involving a Chinese ship and a Filipino vessel that resulted in the severe injury of a Philippine Navy serviceman during a rotation and resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila said, “The DFA denounces the illegal and aggressive actions of Chinese authorities that resulted in personnel injury and vessel damage.

As it expressed grave concern over the June 17 incident, the DFA said that it has been exerting efforts to rebuild a conducive environment for dialogue and consultation with China with regard to issues on the South China Sea.

The department reiterated its call for China to respect the Philippines’ sovereign rights over the area.

According to Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder, Washington will continue to support its ally, Manila.

According to the China Coast Guard, the Philippine supply ship dangerously approached the Chinese ship.

To recall, the Philippine government sued China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2013. The Court ruled in favor of the Philippines in July 2016 when it junked China’s nine-dash claim over the South China Sea.

Beijing has since ignored this ruling.

Tags: West Philippine sea, Ayungin Shoal, DFA