Taiwan Expresses Grave Concern Over Maritime Incident Near Scarborough Shoal
Taipei, Taiwan – August 14, 2025 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan has issued a statement expressing grave concern and dismay regarding a recent collision incident involving a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) destroyer and a coast guard cutter, which occurred while they were reportedly in pursuit of a Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel near Scarborough Shoal. The incident, which took place on August 11, 2025, has heightened regional tensions and underscores the critical need for responsible maritime conduct.
The statement, released on August 14th, detailed the circumstances surrounding the event. According to MOFA, the Chinese PLA destroyer and a Chinese coast guard cutter engaged in an aggressive maneuver that resulted in a collision with a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol vessel, the BRP Suluan. The PCG vessel was reportedly conducting routine maritime patrols in the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal, a strategically important and disputed area in the South China Sea.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) emphasized its firm commitment to the principles of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, advocates for peaceful resolution of maritime disputes and the upholding of freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law.
MOFA’s statement highlighted the inherent dangers posed by such aggressive actions, which not only threaten the safety of personnel but also jeopardize maritime stability. The Ministry conveyed its solidarity with the Philippines, a fellow proponent of regional peace and stability, and acknowledged the Philippines’ right to conduct lawful operations within its maritime jurisdictions.
Taiwan urges all parties involved in maritime activities in the South China Sea to exercise utmost restraint and adhere to international norms and legal frameworks. The Ministry underscored the importance of de-escalation and the pursuit of dialogue as the most effective means to address any potential misunderstandings or conflicts. Furthermore, Taiwan reiterates its call for all claimant states to respect the findings and rulings of international arbitration, particularly the 2016 arbitral award rendered under UNCLOS, which affirmed the Philippines’ maritime rights.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragile peace in the South China Sea and the imperative for all nations to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes safety, transparency, and the rule of law on the seas. Taiwan remains dedicated to working collaboratively with regional partners to foster a secure and stable maritime environment for the benefit of all.
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs published ‘MOFA response to August 11 collision between a Chinese PLA destroyer and a coast guard cutter while in pursuit of Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel BRP Suluan near Scarborough Shoal’ at 2025-08-14 09:04. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.