Philippine and Chinese vessels collide in disputed South China Sea and 4 Filipino crew are injured

By JIM GOMEZ
Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels have collided in the disputed South China Sea, slightly injuring four Filipino crewmen in a new confrontation that unfolded as Southeast Asian leaders gathered for an Asian summit where alarm over Beijing’s aggression at sea was expected to be raised. The Chinese coast guard ships and accompanying vessels blocked the Philippine coast guard and supply vessels Tuesday off the disputed Second Thomas Shoal and executed dangerous maneuvers that caused two minor collisions, Philippine officials said. The Chinese coast guard said it took measures against Philippine ships that illegally intruded into the waters adjacent to Second Thomas Shoal and that a Philippine ship deliberately rammed a Chinese vessel, causing a minor scratch.