A Chinese navy vessel collided with a coast guard ship from its own country while pursuing a Philippine patrol boat in the South China Sea on Monday. The incident occurred near the Scarborough Shoal, a disputed area, as the Philippine Coast Guard was delivering supplies to local fishermen.

Philippine officials reported that the collision involved a Chinese warship and a coast guard vessel, with video footage showing the dramatic encounter. The footage, shared by Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, depicted the Chinese ships moving at high speed. One video showed the warship, identified by the number 164, coming dangerously close to the Philippine vessel's port side. Another clip captured the coast guard ship, numbered 3104, appearing to collide with the warship as it attempted to maneuver behind the Filipino boat.

The Philippine Coast Guard stated that the Chinese coast guard ship sustained significant damage, with its bow crumpled inward. Tarriela noted that crew members were visible on the smaller Chinese vessel just before the crash, but it remains unclear if they were rescued. He added that the Chinese crew did not respond to offers of assistance from the Philippine side.

In a statement, the Chinese Coast Guard acknowledged the confrontation but did not mention the collision. They accused the Philippines of intruding into waters they claim as their own, asserting that their actions were "professional, regulated, and lawful."

The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs expressed serious concern over China's maneuvers, emphasizing the need to adhere to international maritime rules. They also highlighted that the crew of the Philippine patrol boat offered medical aid to the Chinese side, although it is unknown if this offer was accepted.

China claims sovereignty over more than 80% of the South China Sea, a region rich in natural resources. The area has been a source of tension, with multiple countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, asserting their own claims. An international court ruled in favor of the Philippines in 2016, stating that many of China's claims violated international law. However, maritime confrontations have continued, including a December incident where Chinese ships used water cannons against a Philippine patrol boat.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos stated that the country's patrol vessels would remain active in the area to assert its sovereignty. The Scarborough Shoal has been a contentious point between the Philippines and China since 2012, when China took control of the area.