- Chinese ships fired water cannon at Philippine vessels, including one carrying a CNN crew, near a dangerous flashpoint in the South China Sea on Friday.
- The Philippine Coast Guard accused China of firing water cannon at government vessels near a disputed shoal for a second day, marking the third confrontation between the two countries this week.
- China's Coast Guard warned the Philippine vessel over a megaphone to leave immediately, threatening firm action if they did not comply.
- As the Philippine ships approached the shoal, Chinese vessels circled them continuously, with one coming within seven meters of the vessel carrying the CNN crew.
- Earlier this week, on Monday, a confrontation at the Second Thomas Shoal resulted in a Filipino sailor being injured after being struck with a baton by Chinese Coast Guard personnel.
- Scarborough Shoal is claimed by both China and the Philippines, with China maintaining an almost-constant coast guard presence in the area since 2012.
- The Philippine Coast Guard stated that the shoal is a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos, whose rights cannot be impeded by foreign powers.
Chinese ships fired water cannons at Philippine vessels, including one carrying a CNN crew, near Scarborough Shoal, escalating tensions in the South China Sea. This incident marks the third confrontation this week, with the Philippine Coast Guard accusing China of aggressive actions.1278
As the Philippine ships approached the shoal, they were warned by the China Coast Guard to "Leave immediately … Otherwise, we will take firm action in accordance with the law,” according to a megaphone announcement. The Philippine Coast Guard reported that their vessels were subjected to a series of water cannon attacks and dangerous maneuvers by the Chinese forces.
In total, 15 Chinese vessels were involved, including those from the Coast Guard and maritime militia. A Chinese ship came within seven meters (about 23 feet) of the Philippine vessel, posing a serious risk of collision. The Philippine Coast Guard condemned these actions, stating that the shoal is a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos, whose rights cannot be impeded by foreign powers.45
China's state broadcaster claimed that the coast guard took enforcement measures against Philippine vessels engaged in illegal activities in waters under China's jurisdiction. This incident follows a confrontation earlier in the week at Second Thomas Shoal, where a Filipino sailor was injured by Chinese personnel. A 2016 arbitration ruling favored the Philippines, stating that China's blockade of the shoal violated international law, a ruling Beijing does not recognize.
“A Chinese vessel came within 7 meters of the Philippine fisheries boat, creating a serious risk of collision, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. The Philippine ships eventually canceled their mission and headed back to port, citing a developing typhoon in the region.”
