Chinese Coast Guard Fires Water Cannons at Philippine Vessels in South China Sea Dispute

The Chinese Coast Guard used water cannons against Philippine vessels at the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on Tuesday, prompting the Philippines to summon a Chinese diplomat in protest. The incident occurred as Philippine Coast Guard and fisheries bureau ships were on a mission to distribute fuel and food to local fishermen in the area.

According to the Philippine foreign ministry, it protested the "intimidation, collision, surrounding, tailing, obstructing, risky maneuvers, and use of water cannons by the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia against Filipino fishing vessels." The Philippines has urged the Chinese boats to leave the surrounding waters immediately.

The Chinese Coast Guard claimed it took "necessary measures" to expel the Philippine boats, while the Philippine Coast Guard said the Chinese ships "collided with" their vessels and inflicted superficial damage. The U.S. ambassador to the Philippines condemned the Chinese actions, stating that the U.S. will support the Philippines in upholding freedom of navigation and international law in the region.

Why this matters: The incident highlights the ongoing territorial disputes and rising tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. It also underscores the role of the U.S. in supporting its ally, the Philippines, amid China's expansive claims in the region.

China claims sovereignty over much of the South China Sea, including parts claimed by the Philippines and other countries. An international tribunal in 2016 ruled that China's expansive claim has no legal basis, a decision Beijing has rejected. The Philippines has accused China's coast guard of escalating tensions and damaging its vessels near the Scarborough Shoal, a prime fishing area within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

The Philippine Coast Guard said this was the first time their vessel was subjected to such direct and forceful use of water cannons by the Chinese Coast Guard, resulting in structural damage. The Philippines has summoned a Chinese diplomat to protest the incident. "The Philippines' foreign ministry summoned a Chinese diplomat on Thursday, May 1, to protest Beijing's use of water cannons against Filipino vessels in the area," the foreign ministry stated.

Key Takeaways

• China Coast Guard used water cannons against Philippine vessels at Scarborough Shoal.
• Philippines protested China's "intimidation, collision, surrounding, tailing" of Filipino vessels.
• China claimed it took "necessary measures" to expel Philippine boats from the area.
• U.S. condemned China's actions and pledged to support Philippines' freedom of navigation.
• Incident highlights ongoing territorial disputes and rising tensions between China and Philippines.