MANILA: The Philippines has accused China of using water cannons to obstruct three of its vessels near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. Video footage has surfaced showing Chinese ships firing at Philippine government vessels. Manila denounced China’s actions as “aggressive.”
The incident occurred near Scarborough Shoal. The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea reported that “Chinese Coast Guard ships utilized water cannons to obstruct” government vessels attempting to deliver fuel and food supplies to fishing boats.
China Rejects Philippines Accusations
Beijing defended its actions, stating that it had used “control measures” on ships that had intruded into what it considers its waters. This latest incident follows the Philippines’ recent accusation that China “swarmed” a reef off its coast with over 135 military boats in the South China Sea.
Friction between the Philippines and China has intensified since Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed the presidency last year. The Philippines has sought support from allies, conducting joint air and sea patrols with the United States and Australia in recent weeks.
