Chinese Warship Collides with CCG Vessel

A Chinese warship rams a Chinese coast guard vessel near Scarborough Shoal, sustaining major damage on its front.

Chinese Warship Collides with CCG Vessel

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com | August 12, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – A Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warship collided with a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel on Monday (Aug. 11, 2025) while attempting to block Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels near Scarborough Shoal.

The collision, which occurred about 10.5 nautical miles east of the shoal, damaged the CCG vessel’s forecastle, rendering it “unfit for sailing,” according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), said the incident happened as the PCG deployed its vessels, BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Suluan, along with the civilian boat MV Pamamalakaya, to safeguard 35 Filipino fishing boats in Scarborough Shoal.

PCG vessels, while sailing smoothly, were suddenly met with “dangerous maneuvers and obstruction tactics” by Chinese ships, Tarriela said.

While CCG vessel 3104 was pursuing the BRP Suluan, it made a “hazardous maneuver,” hitting the PLAN warship 164, the PCG reported.

Despite the tense situation, the PCG offered assistance to the affected Chinese crew but was ignored by the CCG.

“The PCG promptly extended support, including help with man-overboard recovery and medical attention for any injured crew members of the CCG,” Tarriela said.

The incident reignited fresh concerns about the safety of Filipino fishermen regularly navigating the area, as well as critical discussions on engagement protocols and safety procedures in the contested South China Sea.

The Philippines has consistently protested China’s increasingly assertive actions in the WPS, including the use of water cannons against PCG ships.