Watch: Chinese Coast Guard Fires Water Cannons, Sideswipes Philippine Patrol Vessel In South China Sea

China and the Philippines have once again clashed over the disputed waters near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. On December 4, Chinese Coast Guard ships fired water cannons and sideswiped Philippine patrol vessels, which the Philippines described as aggression.

The incident happened while the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries boats were on a routine patrol to protect Filipino fishermen.

According to Philippine officials, one of the Chinese ships, the CCG 3302, fired water cannons at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, a Philippine vessel, hitting its navigational antennas about 16 miles from the disputed shoal.

Shortly after, the same Chinese ship is said to have intentionally sideswiped the Philippine vessel and launched a second water cannon attack.

Other Philippine vessels were also involved. The BRP Teresa Magbanua faced blocking and dangerous manoeuvres from Chinese ships, while the BRP Cabra was reportedly put in a risky situation, with Chinese ships coming within 300 yards.

Philippine officials quickly condemned China’s actions. Commodore Jay Tarriela of the Philippine Coast Guard said the Chinese manoeuvres were not normal law enforcement but unlawful aggression, calling it a violation of international law and a threat to Filipino fishermen’s safety.

The People’s Republic of China has no jurisdiction over Bajo de Masinloc, which is classified as a rock under the 2016 Arbitral Award and Article 121 of UNCLOS. The Philippines has sovereignty over it, including its territorial sea. The waters beyond Bajo de Masinloc’s… https://t.co/cuItA3lcQd pic.twitter.com/I8WvHk0rJN

— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) December 4, 2024

Video Credits: Jay Tarriela/X

On the other hand, Chinese officials defended their actions. They claimed that Philippine ships had entered Chinese territory, prompting the Chinese Coast Guard to act.

China’s Coast Guard spokesperson, Liu Dejun, said that the Philippines had made false accusations and warned the Philippines to stop its provocations.

MaryKay Carlson, the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, condemned China’s use of water cannons and said the actions had disrupted Philippine maritime operations and put lives at risk. Carlson added that the U.S. stands with the Philippines.

The Scarborough Shoal, located about 150 miles from the Philippines, has been at the centre of tensions for years, with China continuing to assert control despite international rulings supporting Philippine sovereignty.

The Philippines has vowed to continue protecting its waters and the safety of its fishermen. However, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions, it’s clear that this territorial dispute is far from over.

References: ABC News, BBC

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