Recent tensions between China and the Philippines escalated on Tuesday when China's coast guard fired water cannons at a Philippine vessel near Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea. The incident occurred as Philippine Coast Guard ships were conducting a patrol in Manila's exclusive economic zone.
Video footage released by the Philippine Coast Guard showed Chinese vessels firing water cannons at the Philippine ship, causing damage to its railing and canopy. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
China Coast Guard claimed that the Philippine vessels were intruding into Chinese waters and defended their actions as lawful. Beijing's claim over most of the South China Sea has been a source of ongoing tension, with China asserting control over various reefs and atolls in the region.
Scarborough Shoal, also known as Huangyan Island, is a strategic reef and fishing ground that has been a point of contention between China and the Philippines. China has maintained a coast guard presence around the shoal since 2012 and recently reinstalled a floating barrier to restrict access.
This incident is not the first clash between the two countries in the South China Sea. In March, Chinese coast guard vessels fired water cannons at a Philippine resupply boat near Second Thomas Shoal, causing damage and injuries to Filipino sailors.
The disputes in the South China Sea have intensified since the election of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has taken a tougher stance against China. Concerns have been raised about the potential for a wider conflict, especially given the mutual defense treaty between the Philippines and the United States.
