Hong Kong – Tensions escalated in the South China Sea as China’s coast guard reportedly used water cannons against Philippine boats in a disputed area on Saturday, marking the latest clash between the two countries in the region. The incident occurred near the Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines has stationed marines on a grounded ship to assert its claim to the area.
This skirmish follows recent remarks by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirming America’s commitment to defending Philippine access to the South China Sea. China has been asserting sovereignty over the region, leading to increased maritime confrontations with its neighbors, including the Philippines.
Video footage released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) showed a Philippine civilian vessel sustaining significant damage from the water cannon. The AFP accused the Chinese coast guard of engaging in a “dangerous maneuver” by crossing the bow of the resupply vessel before using the water cannon.
According to the AFP, the Chinese coast guard then installed floating barriers in the area to block further entry of vessels. Additionally, a Philippine Coast Guard vessel was reportedly impeded and encircled by a Chinese coast guard ship and two “maritime militia” vessels, preventing it from reaching the resupply boat.
The Philippines and China have long disputed the Second Thomas Shoal, with the Philippines grounding a World War II-era navy transport ship on the shoal to support its claim. Recent clashes have occurred when the Philippines attempts to resupply the forces stationed on the grounded ship.
In response to the incident, China’s coast guard stated that they took “control measures in accordance with the law” against the Philippine ships which they claimed had entered waters adjacent to Ren’ai Reef. The Philippines refers to the area as Ayungin Shoal.
The confrontation comes shortly after Secretary of State Blinken’s declaration of the United States’ commitment to defending the Philippines in the South China Sea. Blinken emphasized the mutual defense treaty between the US and the Philippines, highlighting America’s obligation to protect the Filipino armed forces and assets in the region from any attacks.