Philippines accuses China of using water cannon on vessels for second day
The Philippine Coast Guard accused China of using water cannons against its vessels near Scarborough Shoal for a second consecutive day, with 12 Chinese Coast Guard and three maritime militia vessels involved. The incident occurred in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone as vessels delivered fuel subsidies to fishermen. China's Foreign Ministry defended the actions as lawful responses to what it characterized as illegal Philippine intrusions.
Tensions in the South China Sea escalated as the Philippine Coast Guard reported a dangerous confrontation near Scarborough Shoal, a heavily disputed maritime area. According to Philippine officials, a Chinese vessel approached a Philippine fisheries boat to within seven meters, creating collision risk. The incident involved water cannon strikes on two Philippine ships and forced dangerous maneuvers by two others, according to the coastguard's account.
The Philippine vessels were engaged in routine patrols and delivering fuel assistance to local fishermen in waters the Philippines considers part of its exclusive economic zone. The coastguard condemned what it described as dangerous and unprofessional conduct, emphasizing that the shoal represents traditional Filipino fishing grounds.
China's perspective differed substantially. The China Coast Guard stated it had imposed control measures on Philippine vessels it claimed were operating illegally. Beijing's Foreign Ministry characterized the coastguard's response as reasonable and lawful, calling on the Philippines to cease what it termed infringement and provocation.
This confrontation follows an earlier incident at Second Thomas Shoal, approximately 400 kilometers away, where a Filipino sailor was reportedly injured. Both nations have summoned each other's ambassadors in protest. China maintains long-standing occupation of Scarborough Shoal and claims sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea, including portions of exclusive economic zones belonging to multiple Southeast Asian nations.
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