After Harassing PH Mission, Chinese Coast Guard Crashes into PLA Navy Ship

Chinese harassment of a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) humanitarian mission in the West Philippine Sea took an unexpected turn Sunday when a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel slammed into a Chinese Navy warship during a high-speed chase.

The PCG had deployed BRP Teresa Magbanua, BRP Suluan, and MV Pamamalakaya early in the day to deliver fuel and supplies to about 35 Filipino fishing boats under its “Kadiwa Para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM)” program.

But the operation was met with aggressive blocking maneuvers from Chinese vessels. At one point, MRRV 4406 came under direct water cannon targeting but avoided being struck through precise seamanship.

Hours later, tensions escalated when CCG vessel 3104, reportedly pursuing BRP Suluan at high speed, cut dangerously across the PCG ship’s starboard quarter — and smashed into People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) ship 164 about 10.5 nautical miles east of Bajo de Masinloc. The collision tore through the CCG vessel’s forecastle, leaving it heavily damaged and unseaworthy.

Despite the earlier harassment, the PCG immediately offered assistance to the Chinese side, including man-overboard recovery and medical aid for injured crew. Meanwhile, MRRV 9701 successfully escorted the Filipino fishermen to a safe zone, where they were resupplied with fuel and provisions.

The PCG reaffirmed its resolve to safeguard Filipino fishing communities and maritime operations in the West Philippine Sea — and expressed hopes for the quick recovery of any injured Chinese personnel.