China, Philippines war of words over South China Sea collisions is a ‘test’ raising risk of hot conflict, observer says

China and the Philippines’ intensifying blame game over twin collisions in the disputed South China Sea is heightening the risks of armed conflict that could draw in the US, a Chinese observer has warned.

This comes as both sides dial up the accusations over the two incidents on Sunday involving coastguard boats from either side.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning on Monday accused the Philippines of provocation “by repeatedly intruding into the Renai Jiao and continuing to spread disinformation”.

Renai Jiao is the Chinese name for the Second Thomas Shoal – called Ayungin...