This is the dramatic moment a China Coast Guard vessel crashed into a Chinese navy ship during a high-speed chase in disputed waters.

China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 3104 was trying to chase away the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) BRP Suluan from the contested Bajo de Masinloc area of the South China Sea on Monday.

It reportedly carried out 'risky manoeuvres' but instead slammed into the Chinese Navy ship 164 which was also chasing the Philippine vessel.

Footage shows the CCG ramming the side of Chinese war ship as Filipino crew were shocked by the impact.

The PCG said officers immediately tried to offer help but were allegedly ignored by the Chinese forces.

PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said the collision occurred while the PCG were distributing fuel to fishermen in the area. Both Chinese ships had allegedly tried to blast the PCG ship with water cannons.

He said: 'During the operation, Philippine vessels and fishermen encountered hazardous maneuvers and blocking actions from other vessels in the vicinity. In particular, the MRRV 4406 (BRP Suluan) was targeted with a water cannon, but the seamanship skills by PCG crew members allowed the vessel to successfully evade from getting hit.

'In a related incident, a collision took place between China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 3104 and People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) ship 164, approximately 10.5 nautical miles east of Bajo de Masinloc.

'The CCG 3104, which was chasing the BRP Suluan at high speed, performed a risky maneuver from the PCG vessel's starboard quarter, leading to the impact with the PLA Navy warship. This resulted in substantial damage to the CCG vessel's forecastle, rendering it unseaworthy.'

Following the incident, Filipino fishermen were escorted to a secure location with essential fuel and supplies, he added.

Expansionist China currently lays claim over almost the entire South China Sea, one of the world's busiest sea lanes. But a United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016 deemed its claims groundless.

The Communist rogue state - accused of genocide for its crimes against the Uyghur population - has been steadily increasing its influence in recent years through investment in developing countries.