Tensions Escalate: Chinese Ships Collide Near Scarborough Shoal During Philippine Pursuit
Tensions Escalate: Chinese Ships Collide Near Scarborough Shoal During Philippine Pursuit
A significant maritime incident unfolded near the disputed South China Sea on Monday, August 11, when a Chinese warship collided with one of its own coast guard vessels. The collision occurred while both Chinese ships were in pursuit of a Philippine vessel, marking a severe escalation in the ongoing maritime confrontations in the region.
Footage released by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) depicts a Chinese Jiangdao-class coast guard cutter (3104) aggressively chasing the PCG’s Parola-class patrol vessel BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406). The BRP Suluan was on a critical mission to deliver aid, including fuel and supplies, to approximately 35 Filipino fishing boats operating near Scarborough Shoal. During the high-speed chase, a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Type 052D guided-missile destroyer (164) maneuvered between the two vessels, resulting in the collision with the Chinese coast guard ship.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commo. Jay Tarriela, reported that the damage to the Chinese coast guard vessel was so severe it rendered it “unseaworthy.” Tarriela further claimed that China refused any offers of assistance for potential injuries or rescue operations following the incident. Philippine vessels, including the BRP Suluan and BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), also faced hazardous maneuvers and blocking actions from other vessels, with the Suluan narrowly evading a water cannon attack.
This incident underscores the persistent presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, an area within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Beijing maintains broad and disputed maritime and territorial claims in the South China Sea, despite an international arbitration tribunal ruling in 2016 that invalidated China’s excessive claims under international law—a verdict China has consistently rejected.
In a separate statement, China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu confirmed a confrontation took place on Monday but did not acknowledge the collision. Gan stated, “The China Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with the law, including monitoring, pressing from the outside, blocking and controlling the Philippine vessels to drive them away.”
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