Chinese vessels collide while pursuing Filipino boat

Two Chinese vessels collided while pursuing a Filipino patrol boat near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The incident occurred as the Philippine coast guard escorted boats providing aid to local fishermen. Video footage captured the crash involving a Chinese coast guard ship and a larger naval vessel.

Philippine spokesman Cdre Jay Tarriela reported that the collision caused significant damage to the Chinese vessel, rendering it unseaworthy. A Chinese coast guard spokesman acknowledged the confrontation without mentioning the collision, asserting they took legal measures to control Philippine vessels.

This incident is part of ongoing tensions between China and the Philippines over territorial claims. President Ferdinand Marcos stated that the Philippines would maintain its presence in the area to assert its rights. It remains unclear if there were any injuries from the incident.