Overview

• New Maxar images dated Aug. 27–28 show China Coast Guard vessel 3104 at the Yulin naval base on Hainan inside a dry dock for repairs.
• The Aug. 11 collision near Scarborough Shoal occurred as 3104 pursued a Philippine boat and struck the PLA Navy destroyer Guilin, leaving the coast guard ship’s bow badly crushed and prompting search-and-rescue activity for possible overboard crew.
• Chinese authorities have not publicly acknowledged the crash, instead accusing the Philippines of dangerous maneuvers, and the Defense Ministry warned Manila it would “bear all consequences.”
• Since the incident, China has increased patrols across areas the Philippines claims as its exclusive economic zone, while Manila continues supply and patrol missions and recognized the BRP Suluan crew for completing their task.
• Scarborough Shoal lies within waters the Philippines considers its EEZ under a 2016 Hague ruling that Beijing rejects, and analysts say rising tensions could implicate U.S.–Philippines defense commitments.