China calls sinking of PH boat an ‘ordinary maritime accident’By The Manila TimesBEIJING: The sinking of a Filipino fishing boat by a suspected Chinese trawler in disputed waters was described by Beijing Thursday as an ordinary maritime accident, after Manila accused the alleged Chinese crew of cowardice for fleeing the scene. The Philippine defense department said Wednesday a suspected Chinese boat had collided with a Filipino craft anchored near Recto Bank (Reed Bank) in the West Philippine Sea, causing it to sink and leaving 22 crewmen to their fate. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang on Thursday called the incident “an ordinary maritime traffic accident,” and said China was still investigating. Panelo also thanked the crew of a Vietnamese fishing vessel in the vicinity which he said brought the Filipinos to safety. Like the Philippines, Vietnam has partial claims over the South China Sea, where Beijing has staked “indisputable sovereignty” and built artificial islands with military facilities and airstrips.

Source: Manila Times June 13, 2019 22:18 UTC