A collision occurred as the Philippine Coast Guard escorted a resupply mission to sailors on a grounded ship at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The PCG reported that one of its vessels sustained minor structural damage during the incident, which involved Chinese ships attempting to block the resupply mission. The confrontation took place near the Sierra Madre warship where a small group of sailors have been living for nearly 25 years after the ship was grounded. Videos and images shared on social media showed a Chinese ship cutting across the bow of the Philippine resupply ship. The PCG spokesperson, Jay Tarriela, noted that the Chinese ships engaged in dangerous maneuvers and blocking tactics, leading to a collision between a PCG vessel and a Chinese Coast Guard ship. China’s Coast Guard claimed to have taken regulatory actions against the Philippine ships, accusing them of entering the waters illegally. Tensions in the South China Sea have been escalating, with Manila accusing Beijing of aggressive actions and lodging diplomatic protests. The disputed area of Second Thomas Shoal is claimed by both the Philippines and China, with the Philippines being one of several Southeast Asian countries asserting claims in the region. China’s refusal to recognize a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague regarding the South China Sea disputes has further fueled tensions.