Dramatic footage shows the terrifying moment two Chinese vessels smashed into each other while chasing a Philippine patrol boat in the South China Sea.
The navy and coastguard ships collided today near the contested Scarborough Shoal, an atoll around 140 miles east of the main Philippine island of Luzon and more than 500 miles southeast of Hong Kong.
The collection of reefs, rocks and a lagoon - covering around 58 square miles - has historically been claimed by both China and the Philippines.
The crash happened as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was escorting boats distributing aid to fishermen in the area, PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said.
He added the Chinese Coastguard (CCG) vessel 3104 was 'chasing' the Philippine craft, known as the BRP Suluan, 'at high speed'.
