Chinese ships collide while chasing Philippine vessel in disputed waters
Two Chinese vessels collided on 11 August while attempting to intercept a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship near Scarborough Shoal, a feature within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone but under Chinese control since 2012.
Video released by the PCG shows China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 3104 moving towards the BRP Suluan before striking the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) ship 164.
The manoeuvre occurred just a few feet away from the Philippine ship and caused “substantial damage” to the CCG ship’s forecastle, according to the PCG.
No damage was reported to the BRP Suluan or the BRP Teresa Magbanua, which, along with the fish carrier MV Pamamalakaya, were in the area to provide assistance to Filipino fishermen.
According to the PCG, the BRP Suluan was targeted with a water cannon during the mission, but its crew avoided being hit through evasive manoeuvres.
“The CCG 3104, which was chasing the BRP Suluan at high speed, performed a risky manoeuvre from the PCG vessel’s starboard quarter, leading to the impact with the PLA Navy warship,” the statement read.
China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu, as quoted by the Global Times, said Chinese vessels took “all necessary measures, including tracking, monitoring, blocking, and controlling, to drive the Philippine vessels away” from the shoal.
Yu was mum on the Chinese ships' collision.
PCG offered medical help to the crew aboard the Chinese ships but received no reply.
China has been making sweeping claims in the West Philippine Sea despite the Philippines winning the 2016 case in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
Beijing rejected the ruling, which said it had no legal basis, and continues to maintain its presence in disputed waters.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
