China and the Philippines both accused the other of ramming one another's ships in a disputed part of the South China Sea, in the latest of an increasing number of clashes along this vital waterway.

China's coastguard said that a Philippine vessel "illegally" stranded at the Sabina Shoal had lifted anchor and had "deliberately" rammed a Chinese ship. The Philippine coast guard, however, said that a Chinese boat had "intentionally" rammed one of Manila’s ships.

Beijing claims nearly the entire South China Sea. This includes parts claimed by Brunei Malaysia Taiwan and Vietnam. The waterway is rich in fish and oil deposits. It also has natural gas and oil deposits.

Beijing has rejected the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration that found China's broad claims to be without legal basis.

In a press release, Liu Dejun from China's coastguard called on the Philippines to immediately withdraw from the reef.

Liu stated that the Chinese coast guard would take all necessary measures to stop any provocation or nuisance, and protect the territorial sovereignty of the country and its maritime rights and interests.

At a recent press conference, Jay Tarriela of the Philippines Coast Guard said that China's Coast Guard ignored collision regulations by performing dangerous manoeuvres that caused damage. However, no injuries were reported.

The shoal lies within the Philippines 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Reporting by Joe Cash and Neil Jerome Morales in Beijing; Editing by William Mallard

(source: Reuters)