What could make a collision during China's pincer maneuvers even more embarrassing?
Short answerInvolving a major asset would make the collision worse, while Philippine maneuvering skill and machinery readiness make slow pincer attempts difficult to execute.
NotesA collision involving a major asset such as the Fujian carrier would be more damaging than one confined to smaller ships. Close pincer movements depend on the intercepting vessels having enough speed to constrain their target. Philippine Coast Guard crews are credited with skilled ship handling, supported by engineers and senior ratings who keep their machinery ready to accelerate when needed. Repeating the maneuver without sufficient speed risks another collision.