MANILA, Philippines: The Philippines has accused the China Coast Guard of using water cannon on two of its vessels during a patrol near a reef in the South China Sea, escalating tensions in the disputed region.
The incident occurred near the China-controlled Scarborough Shoal, a longstanding flashpoint in the territorial disputes between Manila and Beijing. The Philippine Coast Guard reported that the water cannon caused damage to one of its vessels, highlighting the tactics employed by the China Coast Guard in their interactions with Philippine ships.
In addition to the use of water cannon, the China Coast Guard reportedly reinstalled a barrier across the entrance to the shoal, obstructing access to the fishing grounds inside. This move further exacerbates tensions in the region, where China’s territorial claims clash with those of neighboring countries like the Philippines.
Scarborough Shoal, located west of the Philippines’ main island of Luzon, has been a focal point of tensions since China seized control of it in 2012. The Philippines accuses China of harassing its fishermen and impeding their access to the area’s abundant marine resources.
Tuesday’s incident coincides with a major annual military exercise between the Philippines and the United States, which has drawn criticism from Beijing. The Philippines, a treaty ally of the US, has indicated that it would invoke their mutual defence treaty in the event of an attack on its vessels in the South China Sea.
Despite the provocative actions by the China Coast Guard, Philippine vessels continued their patrol in the area. This latest confrontation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Philippines as it seeks to assert its sovereignty in the South China Sea amid China’s assertive behavior.
President Ferdinand Marcos has been vocal in defending Philippine territory against China since taking office in 2022, signaling Manila’s determination to uphold its sovereign rights in the face of external pressure.
The Philippines has called for international support in addressing the disputes in the South China Sea, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution that respects the rights of all parties involved.
