World
China and Philippines ships collide near disputed reef
A Chinese ship hit a Philippine boat during a supply mission, causing new tension in the South China Sea.
A view of the collision between the Chinese Coast Guard vessel and the Philippine fisheries boat near Sabina Shoal.
By John Doe
Reporting from Philippines 
Sept. 18, 2026, 3:53 p.m. - 17 hours ago
A serious incident happened at sea between China and the Philippines. A Chinese Coast Guard ship rammed into a smaller Philippine government boat. This happened near Sabina Shoal, a reef in the South China Sea that both countries claim as their own.
The Philippine boat was on a mission to bring fuel and supplies to other small boats in the area. The Philippines says the Chinese ship acted in a dangerous way. They claim the Chinese vessel hit them on purpose.
China tells a different story. They say the Philippine boat was the one acting badly. China warned the Philippines to stop these missions near the reef or they will face the consequences.
This is the latest in a long string of tense run-ins between the two countries in these waters. Each side accuses the other of crossing the line.
Behind the scenes, the Philippine Coast Guard is feeling the pressure. Officials recently told their government that they might run out of ships to patrol the area if these collisions keep happening and damaging their fleet.
For now, the situation remains tense. Both countries are standing their ground, and there is no sign that either side is ready to back down.
Source: NBC News
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