Philippines Accuses China of Water Cannon Attack on Vessels

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) accused the China Coast Guard of firing water cannons at its vessels for the second consecutive day near the Scarborough Shoal on Friday, July 24. The incident marks the third confrontation between the two nations in the South China Sea this week. A Chinese vessel reportedly came within seven meters of a Philippine fisheries boat, creating a "serious risk of collision," according to the PCG.

Key Details

PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela condemned the actions of the China Coast Guard, stating that the shoal is a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos, whose rights cannot be impeded by foreign powers. The PCG reported that 12 Chinese coast guard vessels and three maritime militia vessels were involved in the incident, which resulted in water cannon strikes on two Philippine ships. Two other vessels had to maneuver dangerously to avoid collisions while delivering fuel subsidies to local fishermen and conducting patrols in the area.

In response, the China Coast Guard claimed it had imposed "control measures" on several Philippine vessels, asserting that they were operating illegally in the waters around Scarborough Shoal. The Chinese government has long asserted its sovereignty over the shoal, which lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. This incident follows a confrontation earlier in the week at the Second Thomas Shoal, where a Filipino sailor was reportedly injured.

Background

The escalating tensions come as Southeast Asian foreign ministers concluded regional meetings in Manila, attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who described Beijing's actions in the South China Sea as "disturbing" and reaffirmed support for the Philippines.