Chinese Vessels Collide in South China Sea While Pursuing Philippine Boat, Video Shows

A dramatic incident unfolded on Monday, August 11, 2025, in the highly contested South China Sea, as a Chinese navy warship collided with a Chinese coast guard vessel during a high-speed chase of a Philippine patrol boat. The collision, captured on video and shared by Philippine officials, occurred near the Scarborough Shoal, a flashpoint in the ongoing territorial dispute.

According to Manila, the Chinese coast guard vessel was aggressively tailing a Filipino patrol boat, which was part of a government initiative to supply local fishermen, when a Chinese navy warship unexpectedly cut in front of it. Footage released by Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela shows the coast guard vessel appearing to strike the warship’s port side, bringing both Chinese ships to a halt while the Philippine boat continued its journey. Tarriela stated the collision resulted from a “risky maneuver” by the Chinese coast guard, causing “substantial damage” to their vessel.

In contrast, China’s official state news agency Xinhua quoted China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu, who blamed Philippine vessels for intruding and disregarding warnings. Gan Yu did not specifically acknowledge a collision, asserting that all Chinese coast guard actions were professional and legitimate. Despite the differing accounts, the Philippine Coast Guard immediately offered assistance to the Chinese crew, including aid for potential injuries or man-overboard situations.

This incident further escalates tensions in the South China Sea, where China has been accused of increasingly aggressive tactics against Philippine vessels, including ramming and the use of water cannons. Philippine officials have urged Beijing to adhere to international maritime safety rules, emphasizing the importance of preventing such dangerous encounters in the disputed waters.

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