Chinese, Philippine Ships Collide In Scarborough Shoal Standoff, Filipino Crew Injured

Chinese and Philippine vessels collided near the disputed Scarborough Shoal on Tuesday, intensifying long-standing tensions in the South China Sea. Both countries blamed each other for the incident, which involved the use of powerful water cannons that damaged a Philippine ship and left one crew member injured.

The Philippine Coast Guard said two Chinese coast guard ships targeted the fisheries vessel BRP Datu Gumbay Piang with water cannons for almost 30 minutes.

The blasts caused significant damage, shattering bridge windows, damaging the captain’s cabin, and leading to electrical short circuits that knocked out power outlets and five outdoor air-conditioning units. Officials reported that broken glass injured one sailor during the assault.

CCG Employs Water Cannons Against BRP Datu Gumbay Piang

This morning, the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang (MMOV 3014), operated by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), was targeted by two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels while engaged in… pic.twitter.com/bzVieZEoha

— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) September 16, 2025

According to Manila, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources had deployed vessels to Scarborough Shoal, known locally as Bajo de Masinloc, for a regular resupply mission.

The convoy included at least three coast guard ships, two bureau vessels, and a government-owned fish processing vessel, Mamalakaya. They were carrying fuel, water, ice, and other supplies for more than 35 Filipino fishing boats operating in the area.

China, however, accused the Philippines of provocation. The Chinese coast guard released a statement claiming that more than 10 Philippine government vessels had entered the waters around the shoal, referred to by Beijing as Huangyan Island, from multiple directions.

China said it used regulatory measures, including loudspeaker warnings and water cannons, against the “illegal” vessels. It also released video footage showing what it described as a Filipino ship deliberately ramming a Chinese coast guard vessel.

Video Credits: CCTV Video News Agency/YouTube

During the confrontation, a Chinese navy warship broadcast a warning about live-fire exercises near Scarborough Shoal, causing panic among Filipino fishermen in the area. Despite this, the Philippine resupply mission regrouped and completed its operations.

The clash occurred less than a week after China announced part of Scarborough Shoal would become a national nature reserve. The Philippines protested, saying the shoal is within its exclusive economic zone.

A statement from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described China’s actions as “another coercive attempt” to assert territorial claims. The United Kingdom and Australia expressed concern, while the Canadian Embassy in Manila opposed using environmental protection as a reason to control disputed territory.

Scarborough Shoal, a group of reefs about 120 nautical miles west of the Philippines, has become a tense hotspot in the South China Sea. The area is rich in fish and lies along vital global shipping routes.

References: AP News, The Hindu

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