Two Chinese vessels crashed into each other while chasing a Filipino patrol boat in the South China Sea on Monday.
The incident occurred near the contested Scarborough Shoal as the Philippine coast guard escorted boats distributing aid to fishermen in the area, according to Cdre Jay Tarriela, a Filipino spokesman.
Video released by Manila showed a China coast guard ship and a much larger navy vessel bearing the number 164 on its hull colliding with a loud crash.
Cdre Tarriela said: “The CCG 3104 [China coast guard vessel], which was chasing the BRP Suluan [Filipino coast guard vessel] at high speed, performed a risky manoeuvre from the [Filipino] vessel’s starboard quarter, leading to the impact with the PLA [People’s Liberation Army] navy warships.
“This resulted in substantial damage to the CCG vessel’s forecastle, rendering it unseaworthy.”
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