China blasts Philippines vessels with water cannons anew
Chinese Coast Guard vessels used water cannons against Philippine ships near Scarborough Shoal, escalating maritime tensions. The incident occurred while Philippine vessels were providing fuel and assistance to local fisherfolk.
Why it matters
This represents a significant escalation in the South China Sea territorial disputes, increasing the risk of direct military confrontation between China and the Philippines.
MANILA, Philippines - China again blasted yesterday with water cannon vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) that were assisting Filipino fisherfolk in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.
According to the PCG, the vessels were supporting the Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda program by providing fuel subsidies and other assistance to fisherfolk in the vicinity of Panatag Shoal. A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel, with bow number 3107, initially blasted its water cannon at the BRP Cape San Agustin at 6:26 a.m. during a maritime patrol. "Prior to the incident, (Cape San Agustin) was being shadowed by no fewer than six CCG vessels, alongside Chinese maritime militia vessels operating in the area," PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said.
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