China Confirms Two Sailors Died in 2025 South China Sea Collision

The Government of China has confirmed the deaths of two personnel, Yi Xinyu and Cheng Long, following a maritime collision in the South China Sea on August 11, 2025. The deaths were disclosed after the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the People's Armed Police Force listed the sailors as martyrs on an official commemorative website for their actions during a rights defense operation.

The incident occurred when a Chinese coast guard ship collided bow-first with a Chinese naval destroyer while the vessels were pursuing a Philippine patrol boat near the disputed Scarborough Shoal. While a China Coast Guard spokesperson acknowledged a confrontation at the time, Beijing did not immediately disclose the casualties. Philippines National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano reported at the time that the collision left two Chinese personnel dead and one missing, a claim supported by Philippine video footage of the event.

Beijing previously accused the Philippines of dangerous manoeuvres, though the Philippines foreign ministry denied responsibility and described the event as an unfortunate outcome. Satellite imagery later showed the damaged coast guard vessel undergoing repairs at Hainan Island. This confirmation follows a period of heightened tension, including serious encounters in July 2026 that led both nations to summon their respective ambassadors.