Why did China accuse Philippine ships after its own vessels collided?

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China Accuses Philippine Ships Amidst Collision Incident Near Scarborough Shoal

China's Ministry of National Defence has accused Philippine Coast Guard vessels of engaging in "dangerous manoeuvres" that allegedly endangered Chinese ships and personnel, following reports of a collision between two Chinese vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal. Despite footage showing a Chinese navy ship cutting across the path of another Chinese vessel, leading to a collision and damage to the Chinese coastguard ship's forecastle, China has placed blame on the Philippines. This incident marks the first known crash between Chinese vessels in the vicinity of the shoal.
China's Assertions of Dangerous Maneuvers

The Chinese defence ministry spokesperson, Jiang Bin, stated that the actions of the Philippine vessels "seriously endangered the safety of Chinese vessels and personnel." While footage released by the Philippine Coast Guard depicts a Chinese coastguard ship trailing a Philippine vessel before a Chinese navy ship initiated a collision with the coastguard ship, China has maintained its accusation of provocative behaviour by the Philippines. The ministry further demanded that the Philippines "immediately stop its infringing and provocative rhetoric and actions," reserving China's right to take "necessary countermeasures."
Philippine Response and Account of the Incident

The Philippines has refuted any responsibility for the collision. Foreign Minister Theresa Lazaro stated that the incident was an "unfortunate outcome, but not one caused by our actions." Prior to the collision, the Philippine Coast Guard had deployed three vessels to the Scarborough Shoal to deliver supplies to Filipino fishermen, a mission that was underway when the confrontation occurred. This incident is the latest in a series of escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing over competing territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Collision Details and Context of Dispute

The collision involved a Chinese coastguard ship and a Chinese navy ship, with the latter cutting across the former's path. This resulted in damage to the forecastle of the Chinese coastguard vessel and represents the first reported instance of a crash between Chinese vessels in the area. The Scarborough Shoal is a significant point of contention, situated in a vital maritime trade route through which over US$3 trillion in annual ship-borne commerce passes. An international arbitral tribunal ruling in 2016 invalidated Beijing's extensive claims in the region, deeming them without basis under international law, a decision that China has consistently rejected.

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Why did China accuse Philippine ships after its own vessels collided?

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