[caww]

That’s exactly what I was thinking....China saving face is ALWAYS first! They’d never admit such a possibility.

(Personally I think China took it down because it was headed to N.Korea.)

[Justa]

Yes the starboard midship of the tanker obviously collided with the bow of the Chinese ship.

[PTBAA]

Perhaps it was the Chinese ship that was to deliver oil to North Korea and they had an accident while maneuvering to make the transfer.

[Pearls Before Swine]

(Personally I think China took it down because it was headed to N.Korea.)

That's plausible, but the story says there was a collision. If the boat were to be taken down on purpose, why not use a torpedo? Ramming is so old school. Only the US Navy does that anymore (/S).