Chinese Warship Collides with Its Own Coast Guard Vessel in the South China Sea

• The Chinese warship struck the coast guard vessel during the pursuit of a Philippine catamaran.
• The incident occurred near Scarborough Reef, which is a hotspot for territorial disputes.
• The Philippine side confirmed the incident, but the Chinese crew did not respond.

On August 12, 2025, an incident involving a Chinese warship occurred in the South China Sea, which collided with its own coast guard vessel while pursuing a Philippine catamaran. This incident happened near the heavily contested Scarborough Reef, where Philippine coast guard vessels were escorting a supply ship.

Video, released by the Philippine coast guard, shows the moment of the collision, resulting in one of the Chinese vessels losing part of its bow. The commander of the Philippine coast guard, Jay Tarriela, reported that the Chinese coast guard vessel was pursuing the Philippine ship BRP Suluan at high speed when the collision occurred.

During the incident, the Philippine catamaran reported unsafe maneuvers by the Chinese vessels, one of which attempted to block its passage with water cannons. After the collision, the Chinese vessel became incapacitated, while the crew of the Philippine ship confirmed the supply mission, but the Chinese side did not respond to this.

In a statement, a representative of the Chinese coast guard confirmed that the collision occurred, but it was not acknowledged that this happened between two Chinese vessels. The incident is the latest in a series of conflicts between China and the Philippines, which have been ongoing in this strategic maritime area.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos stated that Philippine patrol vessels would continue their presence in the region to protect their rights over the territory they consider their own.

Tags: China