Philippines accuses China of using water cannon on vessels for second day

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has accused the China Coast Guard (CCG) of using water cannons on Philippine government vessels for a second consecutive day near the Scarborough Shoal. The PCG stated that 12 CCG vessels and three Chinese maritime militia vessels were involved in the incident. According to the PCG, a CCG vessel came within seven meters of a Philippine fisheries boat, creating a collision risk. The PCG condemned these actions, asserting that the shoal is a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos and their rights cannot be impeded by foreign powers. The Philippine vessels were delivering fuel subsidies to fishermen and conducting routine patrols within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The CCG, however, claimed it imposed "control measures" on Philippine vessels operating illegally in the area, accusing them of organizing an illegal gathering.

Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannons at two Philippine fisheries vessels near the Scarborough Shoal on Friday, marking the third confrontation in the South China Sea this week. The Philippine coast guard condemned the "dangerous and unprofessional actions" and stated the shoal is Philippine territory. China reiterated its claim of sovereign control over the area, asserting it took measures against illegally operating Philippine vessels. These incidents occurred as Manila hosted annual ministerial meetings where Asian and Western governments expressed alarm over China's maritime aggression. Foreign ministers from ASEAN and their counterparts discussed the South China Sea disputes, noting concerns about activities that put safety at risk. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also met with his Chinese counterpart to discuss a previous clash where Filipino sailors were injured.

China and the Philippines engaged in clashes near the Scarborough Shoal for a second consecutive day on Friday. The China Coast Guard stated that it took lawful control measures against Philippine vessels involved in illegal activities in waters it claims as its jurisdiction, referring to the area as Huangyan Island. In response, the Philippine Coast Guard accused the China Coast Guard of using water cannons and dangerous maneuvers against their vessels. These incidents coincide with China commencing military drills in the South China Sea, scheduled to continue until the end of the month.