A Chinese warship collided with one of its own coast guard vessels while chasing Philippine boats earlier this week in the highly contested South China Sea, the latest incident that underscores growing volatility in one of the world’s most strategically vital waterways.

Two Chinese ships collided in the South China Sea Monday while one ship was chasing a Philippines Coast Guard vessel. Both sides claim the Scarborough Shoal.

The ships collided on 11 August 2025 while pursuing a Philippine vessel near Scarborough Shoal, causing substantial damage and escalating tensions in the disputed South China Sea