China Accused by Philippine Military of Causing Ship Collision in Disputed South China Sea

Tensions Escalate in South China Sea as Chinese and Philippine Ships Collide

In a recent development, a collision occurred between two Chinese vessels - a navy guided missile destroyer and a coast guard cutter - near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on August 11, 2025[1][2][3]. The incident marks a continuation of heightened tensions in the region, with Manila adopting a more assertive stance in response to what it views as increasing Chinese aggression.

According to the Philippine military, the Chinese ships caused the collision as they tried to drive away Philippine personnel and fishermen from the disputed area, which lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone[1][3]. The Philippines offered aid to the damaged Chinese vessel but reportedly received no response[3]. The United States condemned China’s actions as reckless and expressed support for the Philippines[1][4].

On the other hand, Chinese authorities blamed the Philippine vessel for provoking the incident, accusing it of dangerous maneuvers that compromised the navigational safety of the Chinese ships and asserting that the Philippines bears full responsibility for the collision and any resulting damages[4].

The incident near Scarborough Shoal is a critical flashpoint because it lies within the Philippine exclusive economic zone but is claimed by China based on its "nine-dash line," a claim invalidated by international arbitration but still enforced by China through naval and coast guard presence[3].

The Philippines was protecting Filipino fishermen in the Scarborough Shoal, which it considers its traditional fishing ground. The BRP Suluan, a Philippine vessel, was maneuvered to avoid being hit by a Chinese navy ship, but instead, the Chinese navy ship collided with a Chinese coast guard ship[3]. The Chinese coast guard ship reportedly sustained heavy damage, with deep dents and linear cuts on its hull[2][3].

The latest update on the territorial standoff near Scarborough Shoal involves a collision between two Chinese navy and coast guard ships while they were maneuvering aggressively to block a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, the BRP Suluan, near the shoal on August 11, 2025[1][2][3]. The Chinese coast guard ship in the video shows heavy shattering on its bow, where at least two Chinese personnel were seen standing shortly before the collision[2].

General Romeo Brawner Jr., the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, has stated that China’s actions in the incident were aggressive and that China was at fault due to its aggressive maneuvers[2]. Brawner has also stated that the Philippine military would assess how to respond to China's actions, consulting with the coast guard and seeking guidance from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr[2].

This incident near Scarborough Shoal marks a continuation of heightened tensions in the South China Sea, with previous incidents including accusations of dangerous helicopter moves by China near a disputed island, unsafe maneuvers by Chinese fighter jets, and joint naval exercises by Australia and France amid the tensions[3].

In response to the situation, US naval forces conducted a Freedom of Navigation Operation near the shoal on August 13, 2025, demonstrating support for Philippine sovereignty and challenging China’s expansive territorial claims[4].

Lithuania's defense chief has praised the Philippine campaign about Beijing's aggression in the South China Sea, further highlighting the international concern over the escalating tensions in the region.

References: [1] AP News. (2025, August 12). Philippine military chief says China at fault in collision with Chinese ships. [Online] Available at: https://apnews.com/article/philippines-china-south-china-sea-military-and-defense-70d94b498f6a35e2a6c2d86c31196843

[2] Reuters. (2025, August 12). China's coast guard expels Philippine vessels from disputed waters near Scarborough Shoal. [Online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-coast-guard-expels-philippine-vessels-disputed-waters-near-scarborough-shoal-2025-08-12/

[3] CNN Philippines. (2025, August 12). Collision between Chinese ships near Scarborough Shoal: A timeline of events. [Online] Available at: https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2025/8/12/Collision-between-Chinese-ships-near-Scarborough-Shoal-Timeline-of-events.html

[4] The Diplomat. (2025, August 13). US Condemns China's Collision with Philippine Ship Near Scarborough Shoal. [Online] Available at: https://thediplomat.com/2025/08/us-condemns-chinas-collision-with-philippine-ship-near-scarborough-shoal/