Collision between Chinese ships expected to escalate tension in South China Sea
Analysts predict China will move to restore its image at sea while ramping up exercises to improve navy-coastguard coordination
Experts also warned that the incident could push China to enhance coordination between its navy and coastguard to prevent similar accidents in future.
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Chinese ships collide during clash with Philippine coastguard in contested South China Sea
China has yet to confirm the collision. Gan Yu, the coastguard spokesman, only mentioned a move to expel the Philippine vessel on Monday, saying China had taken “necessary” measures – including tracking, monitoring, intercepting and blocking – and describing its actions as “professional, standardised, legitimate and legal”.
He said the coastguard would continue its law enforcement activities to “safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests”.
Chester Cabalza, founder and president of International Development and Security Cooperation, a Manila-based think tank, said China was likely to push for a greater maritime presence in the region to project power.