Philippine Coast Guard shows damaged ship 'rammed by Chinese vessels' in South China Sea

Two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships were damaged in the latest collisions with Chinese vessels in the South China Sea.

Footage shows Filipino crew patching up a hole on the BRP Bagacay, which was allegedly rammed twice by China Coast Guard Vessel 21551 while sailing in the dispute Escoda Shoal on August 19.

The BRP Bagacay is the same vessel brutally blasted by China with water cannons in the Scarborough Shoal in April.

Another PCG ship, the BRP Cape Engano also suffered damage to its starboard beam in a collision with China Coast Guard Vessel 33104 near the Spratly Islands on the same day.

PCG Spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said in a statement: 'Despite these incidents, both PCG vessels remain committed to and shall proceed with their mission of delivering essential supplies to personnel stationed on Patag and Lawak Islands. The PCG stands firm in its responsibility to ensure the safety and security of our maritime domain while addressing any threats to our national interests.

'The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea urges restraint and adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other relevant international laws to prevent further escalations and ensure the safety of all vessels operating in the region.'

Expansionist China currently lays claim over almost the entire South China Sea, one of the world's busiest sea lanes. But a United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016 deemed its claims groundless.

The Communist rogue state - accused of genocide for its crimes against the Uyghur population - has been steadily increasing its influence in recent years through investment in developing countries.