A dramatic maritime incident unfolded on Monday when a Chinese warship collided with its own coast guard vessel while chasing a Philippine vessel in the contentious waters of the South China Sea, according to officials in Manila. During a mission to distribute aid to local fishermen near the Scarborough Shoal, the Philippine coast guard reported that the Chinese coast guard executed a hazardous maneuver that led to "substantial damage" on the warship's forward deck, as revealed by Commodore Jay Tarriela.
China acknowledged that a confrontation occurred but accused the Philippines of "forcibly intruding" into its territorial waters, without mentioning the collision incident itself. The Scarborough Shoal, a pivotal area of contention, has been a source of friction between China and the Philippines ever since China seized control of the region in 2012.
Recent years have witnessed a surge in tensions between Beijing and Manila, with both sides accusing each other of maritime provocations. The area has seen unsettling confrontations, including previous incidents involving weapons. Video evidence from Manila depicted a Chinese coast guard ship deploying water cannons while pursuing the Philippine vessel and subsequently colliding dramatically with the larger Chinese warship. Tarriela reported that the crash rendered the Chinese ship "unseaworthy," though it remains unclear if injuries were sustained.
Philippine officials have persistently called on Chinese counterparts to adhere to international maritime conventions concerning territorial disputes. Tarriela emphasized the risks associated with reckless maritime conduct, warning that it could culminate in serious accidents. Meanwhile, the Chinese coast guard defended its actions, asserting they were "in accordance with the law" and deemed necessary to repel Philippine vessels.
This incident marks yet another worrying episode in an ongoing series of dangerous encounters over the past two years, as both nations strive to assert their maritime claims in the South China Sea. Past events have included the alleged firing of water cannons by China at a Philippine vessel, as well as a notable confrontation in June 2024, during which Filipino soldiers clashed with armed Chinese personnel, resulting in injuries.
