Thinking About China
Opinion

China’s Naval Blunder Near Palawan Gives Trump Leverage on Trade

Chinese regime’s escalating maritime aggression demands a unified regional response—something far more decisive than what we’ve seen so far.
China’s Naval Blunder Near Palawan Gives Trump Leverage on Trade
A Chinese Coast Guard vessel chased a Philippine ship near Scarborough in the South China Sea on Aug. 11, 2025. Philippine Coast Guard Handout via The Associated Press/Screenshot via The Epoch Times
Mike Fredenburg
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Commentary
On Aug. 11, two Chinese warships collided while recklessly harassing a Philippine Coast Guard cutter near Scarborough Shoal, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). One vessel was left crippled, its bow smashed and unseaworthy—an embarrassment for Beijing, made worse when the Philippine side offered aid.
Mike Fredenburg
Mike Fredenburg
Author
Mike Fredenburg writes on military technology and defense matters with an emphasis on defense reform. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and master's degree in production operations management.