China accused of causing collision in contested South China Sea waters by Philippines
In August 2025, a fresh wave of tension engulfed the South China Sea as a collision between Chinese naval vessels and a Philippine coast guard cutter took place near the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
The incident, which occurred on August 11, involved a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) destroyer and a China Coast Guard (CCG) cutter colliding approximately 10.5 nautical miles east of Scarborough Shoal. According to reports, the Chinese vessels were harassing and pursuing the Philippine Coast Guard Cutter Suluan. The collision resulted in damage to the Philippine vessel, and both sides traded blame over the incident.
Following the collision, the Philippines has reported a significant surge in Chinese maritime presence near the shoal, escalating the ongoing standoff over the disputed territory. The Scarborough Shoal has been claimed by both China and the Philippines, with tensions dating back to 2012 after a Philippine attempt to apprehend Chinese fishing vessels near the shoal led to China asserting effective control over the area.
In response to the recent incident, the Philippines has protested the increased Chinese activity, which it views as aggressive and provocative. China, meanwhile, has continued to assert its claims and has blamed the Philippines for the collision, accusing the Philippine vessels of provocations.
The confrontation near the Scarborough Shoal is the latest flare-up of the long-simmering territorial standoff in the contested waters. The Philippine patrol ship, BRP Suluan, offered medical help to the Chinese coast guard after the collision, but received no response. The Philippine military has accused China of using military force against civilians and fishermen in the collision involving Chinese navy and coast guard ships.
The Philippine coast guard has released video footage showing a Chinese navy ship (number 164) colliding with a Chinese coast guard ship, with the latter using water cannon. 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 crash. The Chinese navy ship sustained deep dents and linear cuts on its hull, and the collision resulted in visibly heavy damages to both Chinese ships and possible injuries.
The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., stated that China's deployment of the PLA navy was a symbol of China's aggressiveness. He also mentioned that the Chinese navy ship maneuvered to ram the BRP Suluan. The Chinese coast guard has blamed Philippine vessels for the confrontation and expelled them from "China's inherent territory."
Gen. Brawner stated that China's actions in the incident were aggressive and that they were at fault due to their aggressive maneuvers. He also mentioned that the Philippine military would discuss possible steps and future tactics to counter China's actions to prevent access to Scarborough.
The United States has condemned China's actions towards a Philippine vessel in the incident. Gan Yu, a journalist for the Associated Press, and AP journalist Huizhong Wu contributed to the report. Chinese officials did not immediately comment on Gen. Brawner's statement.
The Philippine military's objective in the Scarborough Shoal was to protect Filipino fishermen, as stated by Gen. Brawner. The escalation has drawn attention to the broader geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, with external powers like the United States also closely monitoring and reacting to developments. The Philippines has vowed to continue its stance to protect its sovereignty and the rights of its citizens in the disputed waters.
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