Ships from China encountered a collision in the South China Sea.
In the contested waters of the South China Sea, a collision between two vessels occurred near Scarborough Shoal on August 11, 2025. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that a China Coast Guard (CCG) cutter, No. 3104, and a People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy destroyer collided while chasing a Philippine vessel, BRP Suluan [1][2].
According to the PCG, the Chinese coast guard vessel was pursuing the Philippine ship at high speeds and spraying water cannons. However, the collision occurred when the Chinese cutter suddenly rammed the Chinese naval destroyer, which had maneuvered unexpectedly between the Philippine vessel and the coast guard cutter [1]. The incident caused significant damage to the coast guard vessel’s forecastle, making it unseaworthy [1][3].
Footage taken aboard the Philippine vessel documented the incident, showing the Chinese ships hitting each other amidst the pursuit [1][2]. The Philippine Coast Guard described the Chinese coast guard’s actions as “risky” maneuvers that triggered this friendly collision [1].
Following the incident, the Philippines reported an increase in Chinese maritime presence around Scarborough Shoal, with multiple Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia ships deployed to the area [5]. Despite the heavy Chinese presence, the Philippines maintained a measured approach, deploying only one vessel to the area and refraining from sending navy warships to avoid escalating tensions [5].
The Chinese Coast Guard did not acknowledge the collision in their statement, instead focusing on their actions to drive away Filipino maritime police and service vessels from the territorial waters [4]. In their statement, they claimed that all their actions at the scene were professional, standardized, and legal. However, the statement did not mention the incident involving the Filipino vessel MRRV 4406 or the Filipino fishermen being escorted [4].
On the other hand, the Philippines highlighted the collision as evidence of China’s provocative and dangerous tactics in the disputed waters, emphasizing China's responsibility for the chaotic situation [1][5]. As of August 15, 2025, China blamed the Philippines for the incident, accusing the Philippine vessel of actions that caused the collision, though detailed official Chinese statements remain focused on shifting blame rather than admitting fault [4].
This event underscores the heightened maritime tensions in the South China Sea, particularly around Scarborough Shoal, and illustrates the complex and risky interactions involving patrol and military vessels amid ongoing territorial disputes between China and the Philippines [1][3][5].
References:
[1] Rappler. (2025, August 11). Philippine Coast Guard reports collision between Chinese Coast Guard vessel, Chinese Navy ship in South China Sea. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/nation/2759958-philippine-coast-guard-reports-collision-chinese-coast-guard-vessel-chinese-navy-ship-south-china-sea
[2] Reuters. (2025, August 11). Philippines says Chinese coast guard vessel and navy ship collide near Scarborough Shoal. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-says-chinese-coast-guard-vessel-navy-ship-collide-near-scarborough-2025-08-11/
[3] CNN Philippines. (2025, August 11). PCG releases videos showing collision of Chinese, Filipino vessels in South China Sea. CNN Philippines. https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2025/8/11/PCG-releases-videos-showing-collision-of-Chinese-Filipino-vessels-in-South-China-Sea.html
[4] South China Morning Post. (2025, August 15). China blames Philippines for collision between Chinese Coast Guard vessel and Navy ship in South China Sea. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/3168734/china-blames-philippines-collision-between-chinese-coast
[5] Al Jazeera. (2025, August 12). Philippines accuses China of escalating tensions in South China Sea. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/12/philippines-accuses-china-of-escalating-tensions-in-south-china-sea
General-news reports suggest a rise in crime-and-justice incidents, as the Philippines accuses China of employing provocative tactics following the collision between a China Coast Guard vessel and a People's Liberation Army Navy destroyer, along with the Philippine vessel BRP Suluan, in the South China Sea on August 11, 2025. The sports section, however, remains unaffected, with regular sports updates still available.
