Philippines, Manila reported on Monday that a Chinese naval vessel and a coast guard ship collided near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea while pursuing a Philippine patrol boat. Dramatic video footage of the collision has been released.

The incident occurred when the Philippine Coast Guard was escorting boats assisting fishermen in the area. The released video shows a Chinese Coast Guard vessel colliding with a larger ship numbered 164, accompanied by a loud crashing sound.

Tensions escalate between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea

The Chinese Coast Guard ship CCG 3104, which was rapidly pursuing the Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Suluan, made a dangerous maneuver toward the starboard quarter of the Philippine ship, resulting in a collision with a PLA Navy warship. This caused severe damage to the foredeck of the Chinese Coast Guard vessel, rendering it inoperable at sea.

A Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson confirmed the collision without directly referencing it, stating that necessary measures were taken in accordance with the law, including surveillance, external pressure, interception, and control to expel Philippine vessels.

This reported collision is the latest in a series of ongoing clashes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. Beijing claims nearly the entire region, despite an international ruling stating it has no legal basis. Over 60% of the world’s maritime trade passes through these disputed waters.

Scarborough Shoal reignites China-Philippines dispute

The Philippine President stated that patrol vessels will continue operating in the area to protect and exercise Manila’s sovereign rights. Scarborough Shoal, a triangular chain of reefs and rocks, has been a focal point of tension since 2012 when China seized it from the Philippines.

It remains unclear whether there were any injuries in the incident. The Chinese crew reportedly did not respond to the Philippine ship’s offer of assistance. Prior to the collision, the Chinese vessel targeted the BRP Suluan with a water cannon, but the Philippine ship managed to evade it successfully.

Scarborough Shoal

Scarborough Shoal, known as Huangyan Island in China and Panatag Shoal in the Philippines, is a disputed atoll in the South China Sea. Rich in marine resources and strategically located, it has been a focal point of territorial tensions between China, the Philippines, and other regional claimants for decades. Historically, both countries have asserted sovereignty, with the Philippines citing proximity and China referencing historical records, though an international tribunal ruled against China’s claims in 2016.

South China Sea

The South China Sea is a strategically significant and resource-rich maritime region bordered by several Southeast Asian countries. It has been a vital trade route for centuries and is central to historical disputes over territorial claims, particularly involving China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and others. The area is also ecologically diverse, featuring coral reefs and marine life, but tensions over sovereignty and resources remain unresolved.

Manila

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a bustling metropolis with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1571 by Spanish conquistadors. Known for its historic landmarks like Intramuros, the old walled city, Manila blends colonial heritage with modern urban life. It has played a key role in trade, culture, and politics in Southeast Asia for centuries.

Philippine Coast Guard

The **Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)** is the country’s maritime security and search-and-rescue force, established in 1967 under the Department of Transportation. Originally part of the Philippine Navy, it became a separate agency in 1998, tasked with enforcing maritime laws, ensuring safety at sea, and protecting marine environments. The PCG plays a vital role in disaster response and territorial defense, particularly in contested waters like the West Philippine Sea.

BRP Suluan

The **BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406)** is a multi-role response vessel operated by the Philippine Coast Guard. Originally a Japanese patrol boat donated to the Philippines in 2022, it was named after *Suluan Island* in the Philippines, a historic site where Ferdinand Magellan first landed in 1521. The vessel enhances maritime security, search-and-rescue operations, and patrols in Philippine waters.

PLA Navy

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) is the maritime branch of China’s armed forces, established in 1949 to defend the country’s coastal and territorial waters. Over the decades, it has grown from a modest coastal defense force into one of the world’s largest navies, with advanced aircraft carriers, submarines, and global operational capabilities. Its expansion reflects China’s rising maritime ambitions and strategic focus on securing key trade routes and asserting influence in regions like the South China Sea.

Chinese Coast Guard

The Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) is a maritime security agency responsible for law enforcement, search and rescue, and safeguarding China’s territorial waters. Established in 2013 through the consolidation of several maritime agencies, it operates primarily in the East China Sea and South China Sea, often involved in disputes over contested regions. The CCG plays a key role in enforcing China’s maritime claims and protecting its interests, drawing both domestic support and international scrutiny.

CCG 3104

«CCG 3104» does not appear to correspond to a well-known place or cultural site. If it refers to a specific building, artifact, or location code, additional context would be needed to provide an accurate summary. Alternatively, it may be a typo or internal designation—clarifying the correct name or details would help in offering a meaningful description.