PH Navy Ship Avoids Collision After ‘Unsafe’ Move by Chinese Warship | INQToday

Why It Matters

The near‑collision illustrates how routine naval patrols can quickly become flashpoints, raising the risk of unintended conflict and testing the resilience of international maritime law in the South China Sea.

Key Takeaways

• Philippine Navy ship avoided collision with Chinese frigate near Pagasa
• Chinese warship's unsafe maneuver violated International Collision Regulations
• No injuries or damage reported after measured evasive actions
• Incident underscores ongoing tensions over disputed Spratly features
• Philippines reaffirms commitment to lawful operations despite Chinese claims

Summary

The Armed Forces of the Philippines reported that its tank landing ship BRP Bengette narrowly avoided a collision with a People’s Liberation Army Navy missile frigate near Pagasa Island in the West Philippine Sea on March 25. The encounter occurred during a routine maritime operation and quickly escalated when the Chinese vessel closed to a dangerously close distance, prompting the Philippine crew to take decisive evasive action. AFP Western Command labeled the Chinese maneuver "unsafe and unprofessional," citing a clear breach of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). The statement emphasized that such provocative actions threaten regional stability, yet the Philippine ship’s measured response prevented any injuries or material damage. The command urged the Chinese navy to adhere to established maritime norms, reminding Beijing of the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling that invalidated its expansive South China Sea claims and affirmed Manila’s sovereign rights. The incident occurred near Pagasa Island, a contested feature in the Spratly archipelago that remains a flash point between Manila and Beijing. The episode highlights the persistent risk of accidental escalation in a heavily militarized dispute zone, underscoring the need for clearer rules of engagement and stronger diplomatic mechanisms to manage encounters at sea. It also signals Manila’s resolve to continue lawful operations despite Chinese pressure, a stance that could shape future security dynamics in the Indo‑Pacific.

Original Description

A Philippine Navy vessel avoids a potential collision with a Chinese warship near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea, after what military officials describe as a “dangerous” maneuver by the foreign ship.

Read more: https://inqnews.net/PHNavyAvoidsCollision

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