A Chinese warship crashed into one of its own country's coast guard vessels as it chased a patrol boat belonging to the Philippines in the South China Sea.

Two Chinese ships collided in the South China Sea Monday while one ship was chasing a Philippines Coast Guard vessel. Both sides claim the Scarborough Shoal.

A Chinese warship collided with one of its own coast guard vessels while chasing Philippine boats earlier this week in the highly contested South China Sea, the latest incident that underscores growing volatility in one of the world’s most strategically vital waterways.