The collision between two Chinese ships in the South China Sea: the roar and the impact

(LaPresse) Tension is rising in the South China Sea , off the northwest coast of the Philippines, whose waters, a rich fishing atoll, are disputed between China and the Philippines . Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also claim parts of the waters. Manila authorities claim that on Monday, several Chinese coast guard vessels pursued and carried out dangerous blockade maneuvers against the Philippine coast guard and several fishing vessels in the Scarborough Shoal area. A Philippine naval vessel was attacked with water cannons but was not hit. Philippine Navy officer Jay Tarriela said that two Chinese coast guard vessels accidentally collided while one of the vessels was pursuing a Manila naval vessel . The Philippine coast guard has offered to provide assistance, including medical care, to the Chinese side.