Collision of Chinese ships during pursuit of a Filipino boat.
In the waters of the South China Sea, on August 11, 2025, a dramatic incident unfolded near Scarborough Shoal (also known as Huangyan Island). A Chinese Coast Guard cutter (CCG 3104) collided with a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) destroyer (Guilin, PLA Navy 164) during a pursuit of a Philippine Coast Guard vessel (BRP Suluan).
The incident occurred approximately 11 nautical miles east of Scarborough Shoal. The Chinese Coast Guard vessel was pursuing the Philippine ship at high speed and using water cannons, but when the PLAN destroyer unexpectedly passed between the Chinese cutter and the Philippine vessel, a risky maneuver by the Chinese Coast Guard cutter led to the collision with the warship.
Both Chinese vessels sustained significant damage. The bow of the Coast Guard cutter was deformed, and the destroyer sustained a hole in its hull. The Coast Guard cutter's forecastle was severely damaged, rendering it unseaworthy.
The Philippine authorities condemned the maneuver as dangerous and called for adherence to maritime navigation rules. This incident has gained significant attention internationally, highlighting the complex and tense maritime encounters in the contested South China Sea, particularly involving China and the Philippines.
The South China Sea is a strategic waterway with significant economic and political importance. The region is also a focus of territorial disputes, with some islands being disputed between China and the Philippines. This incident underscores the heightened tensions and operational hazards in the South China Sea, involving maritime forces from both countries.
Reports also indicate that Chinese coast guard vessels have been observed using aggressive tactics against Filipino maritime vessels in the past. The Filipino vessel involved in this incident was on a humanitarian mission, adding an unfortunate dimension to the already tense situation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with "gray zone" tactics, used by China to assert maritime claims without escalating to open conflict. Such tactics can lead to accidents, even among Chinese vessels themselves.
Manila has publicly expressed its concern over the incident, urging calm and professionalism to avoid dangerous confrontations in future patrols. The incident has raised concerns globally, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing disputes in the South China Sea.
[1] Manila Bulletin, "China Coast Guard Cutter Collides with PLAN Destroyer in South China Sea", August 12, 2025. [2] Reuters, "China and Philippines Accuse Each Other of Aggression in South China Sea Collision", August 12, 2025. [3] CNN, "China and Philippines Clash in South China Sea: What We Know", August 12, 2025. [4] BBC News, "China and Philippines Involved in Naval Collision in South China Sea", August 12, 2025. [5] The Washington Post, "China's Aggressive Tactics in South China Sea Raise Concerns After Collision with Philippine Vessel", August 13, 2025.
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