Chinese, PH ships in near collision

ABOARD BRP SINDANGAN: A Chinese coast guard ship came within 3 feet of colliding with a Philippine patrol ship it was trying to block in the South China Sea, in an alarming incident that intensified fears that territorial disputes in the waters could spark a larger crisis.

The Philippines on Friday strongly condemned the Chinese ship's maneuvers near Second Thomas Shoal or Ayungin Shoal, which the Asian neighbors both claim and have been the scene of frequent confrontations.