Chinese and Philippine vessels reportedly collided on Monday during a tense encounter near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, according to Chinese state media.
The incident, reported by the Chinese Coast Guard through state broadcaster CCTV, involved a Philippine vessel, designated 4410, allegedly colliding with China's Coast Guard vessel 21551 after ignoring multiple warnings.
Despite an international tribunal ruling that China’s sweeping claims over most of the South China Sea have no legal basis, Beijing continues to assert its dominance in the region.
This latest clash is part of a series of confrontations between China and the Philippines, particularly around the Second Thomas Shoal, where a Philippine warship grounded years ago now serves as a military outpost.
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The Chinese report accused the Philippine Coast Guard of "illegally entering" the waters near the Xianbin Reef in the Nansha Islands—referred to by the Philippines as Sabina Shoal and the Spratly Islands—without proper authorization.
In response, the China Coast Guard claimed to have taken "control measures" against the Philippine vessels, accusing them of acting "in an unprofessional and dangerous manner," which led to a minor collision.
Chinese authorities warned the Philippines to cease what they describe as "infringement and provocations." The incident reportedly occurred at 3:24 am local time, with the Philippine vessel later entering waters near the Second Thomas Shoal around 6 am.
