Somewhere in the South China Sea....

China’s relations with Vietnam and Philippines came under severe strain after a mid-sea collision between ships and seizure of a Chinese vessel near disputed islands off the Philippine coast. Vietnam’s naval ships and Chinese vessels collided in the South China Sea after a Chinese attempt to establish an oil rig in an area claimed by both countries, according to Vietnamese officials. The Vietnamese navy intervened to prevent it.
Vietnamese officials claimed Chinese ships intentionally rammed their vessels and used water cannons at the country’s naval men. This is the first time China has tried to establish an oil rig and start drilling in the disputed area 193 km from Vietnam’s coast. No shots were fired by either side, an official said. Several sailors were hurt but there was no confirmation about it by either government.