Philippines Accuses Chinese Coast Guard of Damaging Vessels with Water Cannons Near Disputed Shoal

The Philippines has accused China of harming two Philippine patrol vessels with water cannons near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, intensifying tensions between the two countries. The incident occurred on Tuesday when a Philippine coast guard ship and a fisheries vessel were patrolling the waters off the shoal.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard, four Chinese coast guard ships, backed by six suspected militia ships, carried out hazardous blocking maneuvers against the Philippine vessels. A Chinese coast guard ship used a water cannon against the Philippine fisheries vessel, the BRP Bankaw, while two other Chinese coast guard ships concurrently assaulted the Philippine coast guard ship, the BRP Bagacay, causing damage to its deck railing and canopy. The Philippine fisheries vessel also sustained harm to its electrical, navigation, and radio systems.

The Philippine government denounced China's "illegal and irresponsible behavior," declaring that the Philippines would persist in carrying out its legitimate operations to support Filipino fishermen. Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said China's actions "threaten the special relationship between the Philippines and China" that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping have been working to nurture.

Why this matters: The increasing frequency of such skirmishes between the Philippines and China in the contested South China Sea has sparked fears that the territorial conflict could escalate into an armed confrontation, potentially involving the United States, which has warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, a longtime treaty ally, if Filipino forces, ships, and aircraft come under attack in the disputed waters. The incident also highlights the ongoing tensions and aggressive tactics used by China to assert its claims over the resource-rich region despite competing claims from other countries.

China has claimed sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, despite an international arbitration tribunal ruling in 2016 that China's claims had no legal basis. Beijing has rejected the decision. The Scarborough Shoal, located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, is a vital fishing ground near major shipping lanes. China seized control of the shoal in 2012 and the Philippines says it has continued to block its fishermen from the area.

The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China has defended its actions in the past, claiming that the Philippines has violated China's sovereignty. Chinese officials have warned that the Philippines could face consequences if it pursues a second arbitration case against China's claims.

The latest incident comes as the United States and the Philippines conduct major military exercises in the region. The Philippine Coast Guard described the Chinese actions as "barbaric and unruly," saying they highlighted China's disregard for regional peace and stability. Commodore Jay Tarriela, the coast guard spokesperson, stated that this is the first time a Philippine ship has been directly attacked by water cannons, causing structural damage. "The most recent Chinese water cannon assault caused chaos and damage to the Philippine vessel," Tarriela said.

Key Takeaways

• Philippines accuses China of harming its patrol vessels with water cannons near Scarborough Shoal.
• Incident involved 4 Chinese coast guard ships and 6 suspected militia ships blocking Philippine vessels.
• China's actions caused damage to Philippine ships and threatened the Philippines-China relationship.
• Incident highlights ongoing tensions and China's aggressive tactics to assert claims in the South China Sea.
• U.S. and Philippines conducting military exercises in the region amid concerns of potential escalation.