U S ships near Scarborough Shoal after collision

The United States has deployed two warships near Scarborough Shoal after a collision between Chinese and Philippine vessels.

U.S. deployed 2 warships after Chinese ships collided with smaller Philippine vessel

Two U.S. naval ships, the guided missile destroyer USS Higgins and the littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati, were sailing about 30 nautical miles from Scarborough Shoal when shadowed by a Chinese navy vessel. Philippine officials said there were no reports of untoward incidents, citing information from U.S. and Philippine surveillance. The earlier incident involved a Chinese navy destroyer and a Chinese coast guard ship colliding while trying to block a smaller Philippine coast guard vessel, BRP Suluan, about 10.5 nautical miles from Scarborough. Video footage showed a water cannon being used and damage to the Chinese coast guard hull, underscoring the volatile dynamics in the busy waterway. The United States has long conducted freedom of navigation voyages in the area, challenging Chinese restrictions and notification demands in what it calls international waters.

The episode highlights how a crowded maritime lane can become a stage for major power rivalry. The United States signals resolve by dispatching warships, while allies press for restraint and adherence to international law. China’s tactics, viewed by others as coercive, meet steady pushback from Washington and regional partners. In the coming days, the risk is not only a miscalculation at sea but a broader deterioration of trust that could ripple through trade routes and alliance commitments. De-escalation and clear communication will be key to prevent a small incident from triggering a larger crisis.

Highlights

The region will watch how restraint shapes the next steps