Territorial disputes in the South China Sea escalated on Sunday when Chinese maritime forces rammed a Philippine government vessel near Thitu Island, marking the latest confrontation in a year that's seen monthly clashes between Manila and Beijing over contested waters. On Sunday morning, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel fired water cannons at the Philippine fisheries vessel BRP Datu Pagbuaya near Thitu Island before deliberately ramming its stern, causing minor structural damage - but no injuries to crew members. "The harassment we faced today only strengthens our resolve," Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said. "Filipino fisherfolk depend on these waters and neither water cannons nor ramming will deter us from fulfilling our commitment to not surrender a square inch of our territory to any foreign power." Beijing blamed Manila, with Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson Liu Dejun claiming the Philippine vessels "illegally entered" waters near Sandy Cay without permission and that one vessel "dangerously approached" the Chinese ship. The responsibility, Liu insisted, rested entirely with the Philippines.EscalationSunday's confrontation is the latest flashpoint in what's become a near-monthly occurr