China vows to maintain 'forceful measures' after Philippines ship clash: Video

According to reports, the Philippine Coast Guard vessels BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño were involved in the collision with Chinese Coast Guard ships while en route to Patag and Lawak Islands.

The Philippine vessels were reportedly conducting a routine resupply mission when they encountered what they described as "unlawful and aggressive manoeuvres" by the Chinese ships.

In response, China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning, stated that the actions of the Philippine vessels had "seriously violated China's sovereignty".

She emphasised that Beijing would continue to take "resolute and forceful measures" to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

"The Philippines' move seriously violated China's sovereignty, seriously violated the provisions of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and seriously jeopardised peace and stability in the South China Sea. China firmly opposes this and will continue to take resolute and forceful measures in accordance with the law to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and uphold the seriousness of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," she said.

The Filipino government confirmed the collision and described the Chinese manoeuvres as aggressive.

"These dangerous manoeuvres resulted in collisions causing structural damage to both Philippine Coast Guard vessels," said Jonathan Malaya, Assistant Director General at the National Security Council of the Philippines.

The South China Sea has long been a flashpoint for territorial disputes involving multiple countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.

China's expansive claims, marked by the "nine-dash line," overlap with the exclusive economic zones of several Southeast Asian nations. These overlapping claims have led to numerous confrontations and a complex web of diplomatic and military engagements.