The United States has deployed two warships to the disputed South China Sea near Scarborough Shoal. This follows a collision between Chinese navy and coast guard ships while they attempted to drive away a smaller Philippine vessel.

American and Chinese naval vessels clashed near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on Wednesday, escalating tensions in the disputed waters, a Navy spokesperson confirmed to the Daily Caller News Foundation.

A Chinese Navy vessel and a Chinese Coast Guard ship recently collided in the South China Sea while engaging with a Philippines Coast Guard vessel. The incident occurred on Aug. 11 and was captured on video by personnel aboard the Philippines Coast Guard vessel the BRP Suluan.