China’s coastguard has expelled Philippine vessels from waters around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The incident occurred on Monday after Chinese coastguard ships intercepted Philippine patrol boats that ignored warnings. However, Manila claims a collision between a Chinese navy vessel and one from its own coastguard while chasing a Philippine patrol boat.
According to Philippine officials, a Chinese navy ship collided with a Chinese coastguard vessel while pursuing a Philippine patrol boat. The incident resulted in significant damage to the Chinese coastguard vessel’s forecastle. In contrast, China’s coastguard spokesperson described the operation as “professional, standardised, legitimate and legal,” stating that it took necessary measures to drive away the Philippine vessels.
The Scarborough Shoal has been a source of tension between China and the Philippines since 2012 when China seized the disputed territory from Manila. The incident is part of a series of confrontations between the two countries in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost entirely despite international rulings. Other countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also have competing claims.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stated that his country’s patrol vessels will continue to be present in the area to defend its sovereign rights over the disputed territory. Marcos clarified that he was misinterpreted when stating Manila would inevitably be drawn into a conflict between China and Taiwan if one were to erupt, suggesting “there is no way” the Philippines can remain neutral.
The South China Sea remains a highly contested region with significant implications for global maritime trade and security.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/11/china-expels-philippines-vessels-at-scarborough-shoal-following-clashes