A Chinese warship collided with one of its own coast guard cutters during a stand-off with a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol boat in the South China Sea.
Video footage of Monday’s incident released on social media by the PCG shows the moment of impact, and the subsequent damage to the Chinese vessels.
The clips show a hole punched in the bow of a Type 052D PLA guided missile destroyer and the bow of the Jiangdao-class Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) cutter caved in. It is unclear whether any sailors were injured.
Here is a longer video capturing the collision between the PLA Navy 164 and the China Coast Guard 3104. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has consistently urged the Chinese government to respect the COLREGS and to approach these matters with professionalism, especially considering… https://t.co/n7vcU4lGWq pic.twitter.com/cHU7rG2wAj
— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) August 11, 2025
The incident happened not far from the contested Scarborough Shoal area of the South China Sea, approximately 10.5 nautical miles east of Bajo de Masinloc, as per a PCG press statement.
It said PCG ships BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Suluan, along with MV Pamamalakaya, had been offering supplies to about 35 Filipino fishing vessels in the area.
The statement read: “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. This resulted in substantial damage to the CCG vessel’s forecastle, rendering it unseaworthy.
“Following the collision, the PCG immediately offered support, including assistance with man-overboard recovery and medical aid for any injured CCG crew members. Meanwhile, the MRRV 9701 safely escorted the Filipino fishermen to a secure location, where they are now being provided with essential fuel and supplies.
“The Philippine Coast Guard reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding all maritime operations in the area and wishes for the swift recovery and proper treatment of any affected CCG personnel.”
The PCG has since recognised the crew of BRP Suluan for their bravery in the incident, with PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan commending the “bravery, selfless dedication, and sacrifices” of those on board and their fellow PCG colleagues.
According to media reports, in the wake of the incident a Chinese coastguard spokesperson had confirmed a confrontation took place, but he made no mention of the impact between the two Chinese vessels, saying only that the CCG had taken “necessary measures in accordance with the law.”
- You can read more details on the PCG website and watch video footage on its Facebook page and the X feed of PCG spokesman Jay Tarriela