At the heart of the South China Sea dispute lies China’s sweeping “nine-dash line” claim, overlapping waters of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. International law grants each nation a 200-nautical-mile EEZ, a right upheld by a 2016 Hague ruling in Manila’s favor. Yet Beijing rejected the verdict, fortifying contested islands and escalating regional tensions.
NOEL ADALIA DIMASACAT
DEFENCE ANALYST AND EAST ASIA SCHOLAR | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
| FOR NEWS ANALYTICS
a 5 mins read.
On August 11, 2025, a dangerous and troubling incident happened near Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, showing how tense things have become in the region. A Chinese Coast Guard ship (CCG 3104) hit a Chinese warship (PLA Navy Ship 164) while both were trying to chase the BRP Suluan, a Philippine Coast Guard vessel. The BRP Suluan was on a peaceful mission, bringing fuel and supplies to Filipino fishermen in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The Chinese Coast Guard ship tried to cut in front of the Philippine ship at high speed. But instead of stopping the BRP Suluan, it miscalculated and crashed into its own navy destroyer. The accident badly damaged the front of the coast guard ship and made it unusable for the time being. Even though they were the ones being chased, the Philippine crew offered medical help and assistance, but the Chinese crew did not respond.
The video of the incident was quickly shared online and on the news, causing concern and anger around the world. This wasn’t just a mistake—it showed the danger of poor communication, reckless behaviour, and rising tension in the area. It also showed why stronger protection, like aircraft carrier patrols, is now urgently needed in the West Philippine Sea.
Two days later, on August 13, 2025, the United States deployed two warships—the USS Higgins and the USS Cincinnati—to the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal (also referred to as Panatag or Bajo de Masinloc).
AN AIRCRAFT CARRIER
An aircraft carrier is a huge warship that works like a floating airport. Fighter jets and helicopters can take off and land on it. These ships also have radars, missile defense systems, and space for thousands of crew members. Inside, there are control rooms, workshops, and even hospitals.
Aircraft carriers are important because they help a country:
- Show military strength and discourage threats
- Protect allies and trade routes
- Respond to natural disasters or conflicts
- Train with other countries and keep peace
Aircraft carriers usually don’t travel alone. They move with other ships like destroyers, submarines, and supply boats. This group is called a carrier strike group, and it works together to defend the carrier and carry out missions. These groups are powerful and flexible, ready to respond to many situations.
Aircraft carriers project power, deter aggression, and secure sea lanes. They protect allies like the Philippines, ensure global trade flows, and strengthen trust through joint drills and rapid response.
THE REASON FOR DISPUTE
This sea is rich in fish and marine life. Many Filipinos and other Southeast Asians depend on fishing for food and income. But Filipino fishermen often report being harassed by foreign ships, especially Chinese ones, even when they are fishing in Philippine waters.
Experts believe there are big deposits of oil and natural gas under the sea. These resources could help the Philippines become more energy-independent. China also wants these resources, which adds to the tension. The sea connects Southeast Asia and the Pacific Ocean. Controlling the sea gives a country military and surveillance power over the whole region. China has been building artificial islands and military bases here, which makes nearby countries nervous and increases the risk of conflict.
The main problem is over territory. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, using what it calls the “nine-dash line.” This claim overlaps with the waters of other countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. But according to international law, each country has the right to control the waters 200 nautical miles from its coast. This area is called the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In 2016, an international court in The Hague ruled in favour of the Philippines, saying China’s claims had no legal basis. But China rejected the ruling and continued building military bases on disputed islands.
WHY IS THE NEED NOW
When an aircraft carrier is present, it sends a clear message: “We are watching, and we are ready.” This discourages countries like China from acting aggressively, because they know they might face a strong response. Aircraft carriers help smaller countries like the Philippines by showing support. They offer protection and quick help during emergencies or when there’s a threat.
Carriers patrol international waters to make sure no one country controls the sea. This helps keep trade and travel open for everyone, which is important for global stability. Carriers often take part in military exercises with allies. These joint drills help improve teamwork, build trust, and prepare everyone for real-life situations like natural disasters or security threats.
The United States has long had a strong presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Its carriers, like the USS Ronald Reagan, USS Carl Vinson, and USS Theodore Roosevelt, often patrol the West Philippine Sea. The U.S. carriers’ patrols in the region carry an operational mandate to: Support allies like the Philippines, Japan, and Australia, Defend freedom of navigation and challenge illegal claims, Watch activities in the area and discourage aggression, and Promote peace and international law. The U.S. and the Philippines have a defence deal called the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). This agreement allows U.S. troops to use some Philippine bases and helps with training and military aid.
The Chinese ship collision chasing a Philippine vessel is a stark warning, reckless aggression fuels rising risks in the West Philippine Sea. Carriers deter, but aren’t enough.
HOW CHINA RESPONDS
China sees foreign military ships near its claimed territory as a threat. In response to U.S. carrier patrols, China has also sent its own carriers, like the Liaoning and Shandong, and increased its naval exercises. Chinese coast guard and militia ships are becoming more aggressive. They often try to block or scare away foreign vessels. Sometimes, these ships come dangerously close to others, increasing the risk of accidents. The August 11 collision shows that even China’s own forces are facing problems from their aggressive approach. While China says its actions are defensive, many countries and experts disagree, saying its moves break international law and raise tensions.
SERIOUS WARNING
To make the region safer and more peaceful, several actions should be taken:
- Countries should have regular talks to prevent misunderstandings and avoid conflict.
- Clear rules for how ships behave can stop accidents and reduce tension.
- Work on shared projects like environmental protection, disaster response, and research.
- The Philippines should improve its own military so it can defend its waters and people.
The collision between two Chinese ships while chasing a Philippine vessel is a serious warning. It shows how dangerous things have become in the West Philippine Sea. It highlights the risks of poor communication and aggressive actions. Aircraft carriers can help prevent such incidents. They bring strength, protection, and international attention. But they are only one part of the solution.
The real path to peace involves smart leadership, strong alliances, and a deep respect for international law. The West Philippine Sea is not just a place of conflict; it is home to fishermen, trade routes, and hope for the future. Keeping it safe and open is a responsibility shared by all.
(Noel Adalia Dimasacat, is a Defence Analyst & East Asia scholar specialising in technology. He is also the Chief Technology Officer at GWT Philippines. He is the Awardee of World CIO 200-2024 & 2023 – Transformative Technology Leader. The views expressed are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The News Analytics Herald.)
Major Highlights:
- Chinese coast guard collides with own warship while chasing a Philippine vessel.
- Incident highlights reckless manoeuvres, miscommunication, and rising West Philippine Sea tensions.
- S. responds by deploying warships to Scarborough Shoal after collision.
- Aircraft carriers crucial for deterrence, sea control, and allied protection.
- Dispute centres on China’s expansive claims rejected by 2016 Hague ruling.
