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yesterday

Chinese Warship and Coast Guard Cutter Collide During South China Sea Chase

Manila’s release of collision footage prompted the dispatch of U.S. warships to Scarborough Shoal in response to growing regional alarm

A Chinese coastguard vessel is pictured on Monday in the South China Sea after an apparent collision with another Chinese ship. Photo: Philippine Coast Guard
Image
A screen grab of the video released by the Philippines shows the moment of the collision. Credit: PCG

Overview

  • Philippine authorities published video showing China Coast Guard cutter CCG 3104 and PLA Navy destroyer hull 164 collided while pursuing the patrol boat BRP Suluan near Scarborough Shoal
  • Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela said the cutter’s forecastle was badly damaged and Chinese crews ignored Manila’s offer of assistance after the crash
  • China’s coast guard acknowledged confronting Philippine vessels but did not confirm the collision, saying only that it took “necessary measures” to drive intruders away
  • The U.S. sent guided‐missile destroyer USS Higgins and littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati to the area to monitor the situation and support freedom of navigation
  • Regional partners, including Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, urged restraint as Manila pledged to continue patrols escorting fishermen and asserting its sovereign rights