Chinese and Philippine ships collide again in disputed waters, and the countries are trading blame

Associated Press

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Chinese and Philippine coast guard ships have collided at sea, damaging at least two of the vessels, in an encounter near a new flashpoint in their increasingly alarming confrontations in the disputed South China Sea. Each blamed the other for the collision early Monday near Sabina Shoal, a disputed atoll in the Spratly Islands, where Vietnam and Taiwan also have overlapping claims. Sabina lies near Second Thomas Shoal, where confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships have occurred. Filipino scientists have discovered submerged piles of crushed corals at Sabina, raising suspicion that China may plan construction there.