Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro rejected yesterday claims that the Philippines should be held responsible and even pay for the damage caused by a recent collision involving China’s own ships in the West Philippine Sea.

China's defence ministry accused Philippine Coast Guard vessels on Friday of "dangerous manoeuvres" in response to reports of a collision earlier this week between two Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea.

Philippine authorities said Monday's accidental collision resulted in visibly heavy damages to the Chinese coast guard and navy ships and possible injuries.