Tensions Flare in South China Sea Over Sabina Shoal Incident

China's Defense Ministry accuses the Philippines of misrepresenting an incident involving Chinese coastguard and Filipino fishermen at Sabina Shoal. The Philippines reported injuries and vessel damage, condemned as 'inhumane' by their defense secretary. China's ministry insists their actions were lawful to counter alleged illegal intrusion.

In a renewed maritime dispute, China's Defense Ministry has charged the Philippines with misrepresenting an incident involving Chinese coastguard and Filipino fishermen near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea.

The confrontation, reported by the Philippine coastguard, resulted in injuries to three fishermen and damage to two vessels when the Chinese coastguard allegedly cut anchor lines and fired water cannon. Describing these actions as 'inhumane,' the Philippine defense secretary condemned the incident, while China's ministry defended the actions as justified and within legal bounds.

The incident has fueled tensions over territorial claims in the resource-rich South China Sea, where China's extensive claims overlap with the exclusive economic zones of several Southeast Asian countries, a stance dismissed by an international tribunal in 2016.

(With inputs from agencies.)