China Coast Guard boat rams Filipino boat in Escoda Shoal

A China Coast Guard ship allegedly chased and rammed a Filipino Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) boat on a humanitarian mission in South China Sea.

Footage shows the Chinese vessel with bow number 21551 tailing behind BFAR's BRP Datu Sanday before colliding on its side in Escoda Shoal on August 25.

Another Chinese ship with bow number 21555 closed in on BRP Datu Sanday and cut its path, causing a collision.

Philippines authorities said the BFAR ship was distributing diesel, food, and medical supplies to Filipino fishermen when the Chinese Coast Guard encircled and blocked it, causing an engine failure.

The statement said: ‘The BRP Datu Sanday was targeted by the People's Liberation Army Navy ship 626 and multiple China Coast Guard ships, which attempted to encircle and block the humanitarian mission.'

Officials said that eight Chinese maritime crews allegedly participated in the chase, which damaged the engine and navigational equipment of BRP Datu Sanday.

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.