Beijing accuses Philippines of deliberately slamming its vessel in South China Sea [Video]

China accused a Philippines coast guard ship of deliberately colliding with a Chinese vessel on Saturday in the latest flareup of tensions over disputed waters and maritime features in the South China Sea.

In a statement posted on social media, Chinese coastguard spokesperson Liu Dejun said that the Philippine ship, with hull number 9701, collided with the Chinese ship, 5205, just after 12.06pm (04.06GMT) Saturday.

As the Philippine ship maneuvered, it “deliberately collided” with the Chinese coastguard ship “in an unprofessional and dangerous manner, resulting in a collision”, Mr Liu said, adding the standard claim that the Chinese ship was operating within regulations, without giving any details.

China is rapidly expanding its military andhas become increasingly assertive in pursuing its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea which is …