Chinese activities in Scarborough Shoal met with criticism by the Philippines, who labeled them as 'risky' maneuvers leading to collisions.
In a recent incident, a collision occurred between Chinese vessels and a Philippine Coastguard patrol boat at Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The incident, which involved reckless maneuvers and aggressive pursuit by Chinese ships, has raised concerns and increased regional tensions.
The incident began when the Philippine Coastguard patrol boat (BRP Suluan) was being chased at high speed by the Chinese Coastguard vessel (CCG 3104). This pursuit was part of China's ongoing effort to assert control over Scarborough Shoal, a disputed area that the Philippines also claims. China has been progressively tightening control around the shoal, including establishing an exclusion zone since mid-2024, which Philippine vessels were not allowed to enter.
The collision between the Chinese vessels and the BRP Suluan was the culmination of China's maritime militancy and prioritization of territorial enforcement over safe navigation. The incident occurred within the Philippine exclusive economic zone, where the Philippines maintains that it has rights, notwithstanding China's nine-dash line claims that an international arbitral tribunal rejected in 2016.
The collision caused substantial damage to the Chinese Coastguard vessel's forecastle, making it unseaworthy. There are no confirmed reports of injuries from the collision. The US Ambassador to Manila, MaryKay Carlson, condemned what she called "the latest reckless action by China directed against a Philippine vessel."
The incident has been a moral victory for the Philippines, as China's reckless seamanship and aggressive behavior were publicly criticized, undermining China's claims of maintaining safe and lawful operations. However, it also signals a hardening stance on territorial claims by China, which is expected to assert an even stronger military and coast guard presence to deter Philippine incursions.
This is the first known collision between Chinese vessels in the Scarborough Shoal area. As of the information provided, China's defence ministry and its embassy in Manila have not responded to requests for comment. The US Ambassador to Manila, MaryKay Carlson, also commended the professionalism of the Philippine Coastguard.
Footnotes:
[1] Reuters. (2022, August 8). China, Philippines blame each other after collision in disputed South China Sea. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-philippines-blame-each-other-after-collision-disputed-south-china-sea-2022-08-08/
[2] AFP. (2022, August 8). China, Philippines blame each other after collision in disputed South China Sea. AFP. https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220808-china-philippines-blame-each-other-after-collision-in-disputed-south-china-sea
- The collision at Scarborough Shoal is not isolated, but a part of ongoing war-and-conflicts in the South China Sea, fueled by political disagreements over territorial claims.
- The incident has raised concerns not just within the region, but also globally, as it underscores the escalating political tensions fuelling war and conflicts in general-news arenas.
