Additional Coverage:
Manila officials reported a dramatic collision in the South China Sea on Monday, involving two Chinese vessels — a warship and a coast guard ship — during a pursuit of a Philippine patrol boat near the contested Scarborough Shoal.
The Philippine Coast Guard stated the incident occurred while their vessel was delivering supplies to Filipino fishing boats in the area. Video footage released by the Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson, Jay Tarriela, shows the Chinese warship and coast guard vessel flanking the Philippine boat.
As the Chinese ships attempted to box in the Philippine vessel, the warship and coast guard ship collided. The extent of the damage and potential injuries aboard the Chinese vessels remain unknown.
While the Chinese Coast Guard confirmed the encounter, their statement made no mention of the collision. Instead, they accused the Philippines of intruding into Chinese waters and asserted their claim over the Scarborough Shoal. They maintained that their actions were professional and lawful.
The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs expressed serious concern over the dangerous maneuvers by the Chinese vessels and emphasized the importance of adhering to international maritime law. They also stated that the Philippine crew offered medical assistance to the Chinese, though it is unclear if the offer was accepted.
This latest incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, where China’s expansive territorial claims have led to numerous disputes with neighboring countries. Despite a 2016 international court ruling largely in favor of the Philippines, maritime clashes, including the use of water cannons and ramming by Chinese vessels, have continued.