Chinese Warships Collide in South China Sea During Philippine Chase

Vessel Damaged After Risky Maneuver Near Disputed Shoal

A dramatic confrontation in the South China Sea saw a Chinese warship collide with a Chinese coast guard vessel on Monday. The incident occurred while the coast guard ship was pursuing a Philippine patrol boat near the contested Scarborough Shoal, according to Manila.

Collision During Aid Mission

The clash happened as the Philippine Coast Guard was escorting vessels distributing aid to fishermen in the vicinity. Video released by the Philippine Coast Guard captured the moment of impact between the two Chinese vessels, accompanied by a loud crash.

The Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson, Commodore **Jay Tarriela**, stated that the Chinese Coast Guard vessel CCG 3104, while rapidly chasing the Philippine vessel BRP Suluan, executed a dangerous maneuver. This action led to the collision with a People’s Liberation Army Navy warship, identified as vessel 164. The collision reportedly left the coast guard vessel’s forecastle severely damaged, making it unseaworthy.

Water Cannon and Unresponsive Crew

Earlier in the confrontation, the Chinese vessel had reportedly targeted the BRP Suluan with a water cannon, which the Philippine vessel managed to evade. **Tarriela** also indicated that Chinese crew members were visible at the front of the coast guard vessel just before the collision. He expressed hope for their condition and noted that the Chinese crew did not respond to an offer of assistance from the Philippine ship.

China’s Limited Acknowledgment

A Chinese coast guard spokesperson, **Gan Yu**, acknowledged a confrontation but did not mention any collision. He stated that the China Coast Guard had employed necessary, lawful measures, including monitoring and blocking, to deter the Philippine vessels.

Ongoing Tensions in Disputed Waters

This incident is the most recent in a series of confrontations between China and the Philippines over territorial claims in the South China Sea. Beijing asserts nearly total sovereignty over the vital waterway, despite an international ruling invalidating its claims. The region is critical for global trade, with over 60% of international maritime commerce passing through it.

Philippine president **Ferdinand Marcos** reaffirmed the country’s commitment to maintaining its presence in the area, emphasizing the defense of sovereign rights over what Manila considers its territory. The Scarborough Shoal has been a recurring flashpoint since China seized control of it from the Philippines in 2012.

The increasing assertiveness of China in the South China Sea has led to a rise in maritime incidents. For instance, in 2023, there were at least 137 reported maritime encounters between Chinese and Philippine vessels, a significant increase from previous years (CSIS 2024).