US, Canada, EU voice concern after BFAR-China Coast Guard collision off Palawan

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 20, 2026

Photo courtesy: AP News

MANILA, Philippines — The United States, Canada and the European Union have raised concern over a September 18 collision involving a China Coast Guard vessel and a Philippine fisheries vessel off Palawan that left the Filipino ship damaged.

The incident involved the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ BRP Datu Magat Salamat, which was conducting a mission to provide fuel assistance to Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippine Coast Guard said China Coast Guard vessel 21585 repeatedly maneuvered close to the BFAR ship before making contact at around 11:13 a.m. The incident occurred approximately 54 nautical miles from Palawan and about 6.36 nautical miles north-northwest of Abad Santos Shoal.

According to the PCG, the collision damaged railings, metal support structures and deck fixtures on the starboard side of BRP Datu Magat Salamat. The PCG accused the Chinese vessel of deliberately ramming the Philippine ship.

Canada’s Embassy in Manila said it was concerned by what it described as the China Coast Guard’s deliberate ramming of the BFAR vessel, saying such maneuvers threaten regional peace and stability.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton likewise condemned the incident and praised the BFAR personnel for maintaining professionalism during the encounter.

European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro expressed deep concern, stressing that dangerous maneuvers at sea put lives at risk and that respect for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award is important to maritime safety and security.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs also condemned the incident, saying the BFAR vessel was carrying out lawful activities supporting Filipino fisherfolk within the West Philippine Sea.

The DFA said the collision occurred within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and called on China to respect Philippine sovereign rights, exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions.

China disputed the Philippine account.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on September 18 that a Philippine government vessel had instead “deliberately rammed” a China Coast Guard ship near Xianbin Jiao, Beijing’s name for Sabina Shoal. China accused the Philippines of provocative actions and maintained that it would continue protecting what it considers its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

The Philippines and China therefore give opposing accounts of responsibility for the collision.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Maritime Council said the incident placed the Filipino civilian crew at unnecessary risk and stressed that safety of life at sea should remain the priority.

The NMC said Philippine government support for Filipino fisherfolk would continue as the country upholds what it considers its lawful rights and national interests in the West Philippine Sea.