US Deploys Warships to Disputed South China Sea After Chinese Ship Collision

The United States deployed two warships, USS Higgins and USS Cincinnati, near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea following a collision between two Chinese ships that occurred while attempting to drive away a smaller Philippine vessel. This incident has raised alarms about maritime safety and escalated tensions in the region, which is contested by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The U.S. naval deployment, shadowed by a Chinese navy ship, was conducted about 30 nautical miles from the shoal with no reported incidents, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to freedom of navigation operations challenging China's extensive maritime claims. U.S. Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson condemned China’s “reckless action” against the Philippine vessel, and the U.S. reiterated its treaty obligation to defend the Philippines if attacked. The collision incident involved a Chinese navy destroyer and a Chinese coast guard ship, resulting in damage and possible overboard personnel, highlighting China’s assertive enforcement of territorial claims despite the 2016 arbitral ruling favoring the Philippines. The situation has drawn concern from regional allies including Japan, Australia, and New Zealand due to the risks posed to a vital international trade route.