China confirms 2 sailors died in 2025 South China Sea collision
Beijing has quietly confirmed the deaths of two Chinese sailors in a collision in the contested South China Sea, according to government statements nearly a year after the incident. Last August, a Chinese navy vessel collided with one from its own coast guard while chasing a Philippine patrol boat near a disputed shoal, video footage […]
In August 2025, the Chinese government officially acknowledged the tragic deaths of two Chinese sailors during a collision in the South China Sea, nearly a year after the incident occurred. The collision, which took place on August 11, 2025, involved a Chinese Navy vessel and a Chinese Coast Guard ship, while they were pursuing a Philippine patrol boat near a disputed shoal.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela highlighted the need for the Chinese government to respect the COLREGS and approach these matters with professionalism. The two fallen sailors, Yi Xinyu and Cheng Long, were granted the title of "martyrs" by the People's Armed Police Force for their "steadfast political convictions, exemplary deeds, and outstanding achievements."
Yi was 21 years old and Cheng was 25 years old at the time of their passing. Their dedication is described as participating in a "frontline rights defense operation" in the South China Sea. The territorial disputes in the region have led to numerous confrontations between Chinese and Filipino forces, with the most recent serious encounter occurring in July of the same year.
Written by urgent.news from Hong Kong Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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