MANILA – A significant incident unfolded in the South China Sea on Monday, August 11, 2025, when a Chinese Coast Guard ship and a People’s Liberation Army Navy destroyer collided as they chased a Philippine Coast Guard patrol boat near the Scarborough Shoal.
The event, caught on camera by the Philippine side, has further strained ties in the region, highlighting China’s ongoing assertive behaviour despite international decisions rejecting its claims.
The collision took place around 10.5 nautical miles east of Scarborough Shoal, a busy fishing spot within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The Philippine Coast Guard ship, BRP Suluan, was accompanying local fishing boats providing supplies to fishermen when it became the target of Chinese Coast Guard 3104.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, acting as spokesperson for the PCG, described how the Chinese ship attempted a risky move at high speed from the right side of the Suluan, only to crash into the PLA Navy Guilin destroyer 164.
The crash caused serious damage to the Chinese coast guard ship’s front section, making it unable to continue operating.
Footage released by the PCG shows the Chinese vessel using water cannons before the accident, with the loud impact heard as both vessels struck each other by mistake.
Tarriela confirmed that the BRP Suluan avoided an earlier water cannon attack during the standoff. After the crash, the PCG offered help to the Chinese crew, including rescue and medical support, but got no reply.
Here is a longer video capturing the collision between the PLA Navy 164 and the China Coast Guard 3104. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has consistently urged the Chinese government to respect the COLREGS and to approach these matters with professionalism, especially considering… https://t.co/n7vcU4lGWq pic.twitter.com/cHU7rG2wAj
— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) August 11, 2025
China’s Aggression in the South China Sea
This recent clash matches a history of Chinese pressure in the South China Sea. China claims nearly 90% of the waterway under its “nine-dash line,” but a 2016 Hague court ruling declared this claim baseless.
Despite this outcome, China continues to strengthen its presence, build up artificial islands, harass other nations’ vessels and block access to fishing areas like Scarborough Shoal, which was taken from the Philippines in 2012.
The Philippines, which has fewer naval resources, has faced repeated run-ins with Chinese forces. Over the past year, Filipino ships have been rammed, sprayed with water cannons and blocked while resupplying troops and fishermen near Second Thomas Shoal and Sabina Shoal.
In March 2024, a collision at Second Thomas Shoal left a PCG vessel with minor damage. In July 2025, another Chinese move disrupted a supply mission, injuring several Filipino crew members. Manila continues to speak out against these “reckless and illegal actions,” saying they break international law and threaten peace in the region.
China’s aggressive tactics affect not just the Philippines. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also see their interests clashing with China in the South China Sea, a busy route for over 60% of the world’s trade.
The region is rich in fish, oil and gas, adding to the tension. Security analysts view China’s actions as an attempt to control the area, ignoring the rights and concerns of smaller nations.
The recent collision highlights the dangers of such tactics. “This incident shows how much China is willing to push its neighbours,” said Dr. Maria Santos, a maritime security expert at the University of the Philippines.
“To have two Chinese ships crash into each other while chasing a Philippine ship in our waters is more than carelessness—it’s a serious problem.” Many on social media pointed out the irony of Chinese ships damaging themselves while trying to pressure Filipino forces so close to the Philippine coast.
Building Stronger Security Ties
With China’s actions drawing global attention, the Philippines has worked to strengthen its security links with the United States and Japan. Both countries have voiced concern over the recent incident.
The US, a key ally, criticized the 11 August collision, with Ambassador MaryKay Carlson calling it a “dangerous violation of international law.” The US has also offered to escort Philippine ships in disputed waters, raising the risk of direct clashes with China.
Japan has increased its support for the Philippines through joint drills and maritime patrols. On 11 August, Tokyo protested the presence of a Chinese survey vessel near its waters, adding to worries about China’s growing reach across the Indo-Pacific region. These partnerships aim to check China’s military build-up and keep trade routes open.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. repeated his firm stance, saying the Philippines will not give up “one square inch” of its territory. The presence of the PCG at Scarborough Shoal after the recent clash underscores this resolve.
“We will not be intimidated,” Tarriela stated, reinforcing the commitment to stay in the area to support local communities and protect national interests.
With tensions running high, experts warn that the South China Sea could become a trigger for wider conflict, especially with both the US and China involved. The Philippines keeps calling for talks and respect for international law, but China’s refusal to accept the 2016 ruling makes progress difficult.
The latest crash, while damaging to China’s ships, points to Beijing’s readiness to take risks in these disputes.
At present, the Philippines stands firm. “Our coast guard and fishermen are out front in this challenge,” Tarriela said. “We’ll keep standing up for our rights and putting our people first.” As the country builds security partnerships and keeps a close watch on the situation, the rest of the world looks on, hoping for a solution that values peace above conflict.
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