The Philippines has lodged a protest against China after a rare collision between two Chinese vessels occurred in contested waters of the South China Sea.
The incident took place on Monday near Scarborough Shoal, an area claimed by both nations and long seen as a flashpoint.
Footage from the Philippine Coast Guard shows a Chinese coast guard vessel pursuing a Philippine patrol ship before striking a Chinese warship in a loud crash.
The collision caused severe damage to the bow of the coast guard ship. Philippine authorities said the two Chinese vessels were trailing their patrol boat at the time.
The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila described the maneuvers by the Chinese ships as dangerous and said they posed risks to Filipino crews and vessels. No injuries were reported.
China’s coast guard later told state media its operations were lawful and aimed at defending its maritime claims.
It did not refer directly to the collision. Beijing has controlled Scarborough Shoal since 2012, though it is closer to the Philippines and is used by local fishing communities.
The Philippine Coast Guard stated that its patrol was in the area to assist Filipino fishing boats with supplies under a government program.
They reported that the Chinese ship’s high-speed chase and risky maneuver led to the crash, leaving the vessel heavily damaged and unable to sail.
After the incident, the Philippines offered to assist Chinese crews with rescue or medical help, but received no response.
The South China Sea remains one of Asia’s most disputed maritime zones, containing rich fishing grounds and major shipping lanes.
A 2016 international tribunal ruling invalidated China’s sweeping claims, but confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships have continued in recent years.