The Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) pictured during patrol operations. On August 11, 2025, the vessel was on a resupply mission for Filipino fishermen near Scarborough Shoal when it was pursued by a Chinese coast guard ship, which later collided with a Chinese navy warship in an incident Manila condemned as “dangerous maneuvers.” (Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
On August 11, 2025, two Chinese vessels collided near Scarborough Shoal while pursuing the Philippine Coast Guard’s patrol vessel BRP Suluan, according to official PCG footage. Manila condemned what it called “dangerous maneuvers” and reaffirmed its resolve to protect Filipino fishermen amid heightened South China Sea tensions.
The video shows the Chinese coast guard vessel chasing BRP Suluan at high speed before striking the port side of a Chinese navy warship that had crossed ahead. Images show significant damage to the bow of the coast guard ship and visible dents on the navy vessel.
The PCG said BRP Suluan radioed offers of medical aid, rescue, and towing to the damaged Chinese ship but received no reply.
Philippine Government Reactions
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The President reaffirmed that the Philippines will not be intimidated or deterred from defending its territorial claims, saying the country will continue its presence in contested waters to safeguard the rights of Filipino fishermen.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. described the actions of the Chinese vessels as “aggressive” and said the Philippine mission was to assist Filipino fishermen operating legally in the area. He noted the involvement of a Chinese navy ship as part of what he viewed as an escalation in China’s tactics and pledged close coordination with the PCG in responding to the incident.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
The DFA denounced what it described as “dangerous maneuvers and unlawful interference” during a Philippine mission in waters the country considers part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The department said Manila would pursue diplomatic measures consistent with the 2016 arbitral ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which invalidated China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea. Beijing does not accept the ruling.
Philippine Coast Guard
PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela characterized the conduct of the Chinese vessels as “reckless behavior at sea” and stressed the need for all parties to follow the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) to prevent similar incidents.
U.S. Response
On August 12, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson posted on her official X account:
“PRC vessels collided into each other Aug 11 while conducting dangerous maneuvers near Scarborough Reef. We condemn this latest reckless action by China directed against 🇵🇭 vessel BRP Suluan and commend @coastguardph for their professionalism and their offer to render assistance.”
Background
Scarborough Shoal, also known as Panatag Shoal or Huangyan Dao, lies about 120 nautical miles west of Luzon and is claimed by both the Philippines and China. The Philippines considers it part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), a position supported by the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which rejected China’s expansive maritime claims. Beijing does not accept the ruling and has maintained control of the shoal since 2012.
The BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) is a Parola-class multi-role response vessel built in Japan for the Philippine Coast Guard. Commissioned in 2017, it is equipped for maritime law enforcement, humanitarian aid, and search-and-rescue missions, with features including a bulletproof bridge, night-vision capability, and advanced communication systems. On Aug. 11, BRP Suluan was on a resupply and support mission for Filipino fishermen near Scarborough Shoal when the collision between the two Chinese vessels occurred.
