US deploys warships after Scarborough collision

Two U.S. Navy ships shadowed by a Chinese vessel near Scarborough Shoal, prompting a brief deployment in a tense disputed sea.

US deploys warships after Chinese ships collide near Scarborough

The Higgins destroyer and the Cincinnati littoral combat ship were dispatched to a patrol about 30 nautical miles from Scarborough Shoal. They were shadowed by a Chinese navy ship while the United States continued its freedom-of-navigation operations in international waters near a disputed area claimed by China and the Philippines. Philippine coast guard officials, citing U.S. and Philippine surveillance, reported no incidents during the movement.

The incident comes amid long-running disputes over Scarborough Shoal, with several regional countries laying competing claims. It follows a separate Monday collision between a Chinese navy destroyer and a Chinese coast guard ship as they tried to block a smaller Philippine coast guard vessel, with video showing a water cannon and damage to the Chinese hull. Japan, Australia and New Zealand expressed concern and urged restraint and adherence to international law. The Philippines relies on a mutual defense treaty with the United States, and Washington has warned it would defend Manila if attacked in the South China Sea.

These events show how quickly routine patrols can escalate in a crowded sea lane. The mix of contested sovereignty, robust regional alliances, and dense commercial traffic creates a high-stakes environment where miscalculation can trigger broader confrontations. For Manila and Washington, the question is how to demonstrate resolve without provoking Beijing, while China presses its maritime claims and signals it will test boundaries. The pattern underscores the challenge of maintaining open sea lanes and international law in a region where power dynamics are shifting fast.

Highlights

Diplomacy will be tested next in the crowded lanes of the South China Sea.