Manila, Philippines — Chinese coast guard ships deployed water cannons against two Philippine fisheries vessels Friday in the South China Sea, marking the third escalation this week amid heightened tensions as Manila hosted ASEAN ministerial meetings focused on regional security.
The incident occurred near Scarborough Shoal, where a Chinese coast guard vessel approached a Philippine government ship, the BRP Datux Paduhinog, within seven meters (23 feet), deemed “reckless” by Philippine authorities and posing a collision risk.
China justified the actions as necessary to enforce its claimed sovereignty over the atoll, referencing a 2016 arbitration ruling that rejected Beijing’s expansive maritime claims despite ongoing disputes over the strategic trade route.
Philippine officials condemned the incident as “dangerous and unprofessional,” asserting that Scarborough Shoal and its waters belong to Philippine territory under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
ASEAN foreign ministers addressed the South China Sea tensions during closed-door talks, expressing concerns over China’s activities, including maritime incidents and environmental damage, while welcoming progress on a proposed code of conduct to prevent conflict.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the Monday clash at Second Thomas Shoal, where Filipino crew members were injured by Chinese coast guard personnel, emphasizing the need for careful management to avoid broader U.S.-China confrontation.
On Thursday, Chinese coast guard ships again harassed Philippine fisheries vessels near Scarborough, nearly striking one with a water cannon, as reported by Philippine authorities.
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