This is the dramatic moment the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) tried to damage a Philippine boat on a routine supply mission in the South China Sea.

Footage shows two large CCG ships flanking and crowding the much smaller vessel MRRV-4407, causing a collision in contested waters on March 5.

The Philippine Coast Guard boat was on its way to the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II vessel serving as a Philippine military outpost in the South China Sea, when the crash occurred.

The impact caused 'superficial structural damage' to the hull of the Philippine vessel.

Another Philippine ship, the Unaizah Mae 4 (UM4), was attacked by Chinese Coast Guard water cannons on the same day.

Four Filipino crew members were reported to have suffered minor injuries from the 'dangerous blocking maneuvers'.

In a statement, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said: 'Once again, China's latest unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers against a legitimate and routine Philippine rotation and resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, have put the lives of our people at risk and caused actual injury to Filipinos on board UM4.

'The systematic and consistent manner in which the People's Republic of China carries out these illegal and irresponsible actions puts into question the sincerity of its calls for peaceful dialogue and lessening of tensions.

'The Philippines, for its part, continues to act peacefully and responsibly, consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS and the legally binding 2016 Arbitral Award. Peace and stability cannot be achieved without due regard for the legitimate, well-established, and legally settled rights of others.

'The Philippines will not be deterred from exercising our legal rights over our maritime zones, including Ayungin Shoal which forms part of our Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf. We demand that China demonstrate that it is a responsible and trustworthy member of the international community.'