MANILA, Philippines -- The United States deployed two warships on Wednesday in a disputed South China Sea shoal, where two Chinese navy and coast guard ships collided two days ago while trying to drive away a smaller Philippine ship in a high-seas accident captured on video, alarming several Western and Asian countries.

File photo of Chinese Navy’s Jiangkai II-class frigate with bow No. 554 in Scarborough Shoal. On Wednesday, reports says China is claiming an American warship is deployed following an encounter between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed waters. Screengrab from a video of BRP Emilio Jacinto.

A Chinese jet fighter intercepted a Philippine Coast Guard plane over the disputed Scarborough Shoal as tensions rise in the South China Sea. This follows a recent collision between Chinese vessels in the area.