Chinese and Philippine ships collide again in disputed waters, and the countries are trading blame

Chinese and Philippine coast guard ships collided at sea, damaging at least two boats, in an encounter early Monday near a new flashpoint in their increasingly alarming confrontations in the disputed South China Sea. Both blamed the other for the collision near Sabina Shoal, a disputed atoll in the Spratly Islands, where overlapping claims are also made by Vietnam and Taiwan. Sabina lies near the Second Thomas Shoal, where confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships have occurred. Filipino scientists have discovered submerged piles of crushed corals at Sabina, raising suspicion China may plan construction there.