Watch: Chinese Coast Guard Fires Water Cannons At Philippine Ships In South China Sea

The Philippines has accused China’s Coast Guard of using water cannons to block two Philippine ships near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on October 8, 2024.

The incident occurred while Philippine vessels were delivering supplies to fishermen in the area, which is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone but also claimed by China.

The Philippine Fisheries Bureau reports that the two ships, BRP Datu Cabaylo and BRP Datu Sanday, were approached by three Chinese coast guard vessels and a Chinese Navy warship.

The Chinese vessels attempted to stop the Philippine ships by firing water cannons and approaching dangerously close. Despite the attempts to disrupt the supply operation, the Philippine vessels managed to complete their mission.

China responded by accusing the Philippine ships of entering its territory. Liu Dejun, a Coast Guard spokesperson, stated that China took control measures to stop the so-called intrusion.

[EXCLUSIVE] PANOORIN: Dinikitan nang halos 70 metro ng barko ng Chinese Coast Guard (CGG) na may bow number 3301 ang BRP Datu Cabaylo habang patungo ang barko ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) sa Panatag Shoal para magsagawa ng resupply mission.

1/3 pic.twitter.com/zV2HtNyu72

— PTVph (@PTVph) October 8, 2024

Video Credits: PTVph/X

Dejun asked the Philippines to stop what he described as violations of Chinese waters.

Scarborough Shoal, a disputed atoll in the South China Sea and a rich fishing area has been a point of conflict between China and the Philippines for years.

While it is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, China claims almost the entire South China Sea, resulting in regular disputes in the area.

The incident happened just as the Philippines began a joint naval exercise, Exercise Sama Sama 2024, with Australia, Japan and the United States.

At the same time, 190 Chinese ships, including 28 from the Coast Guard and Navy, were spotted in the Philippine waters.

The South China Sea tensions are expected to be discussed during a meeting of ASEAN leaders in Laos, as the Philippines continues to deal with Chinese forces trying to gain control over the disputed waters.

References: Reuters, USNI

Watch: Chinese Coast Guard Fires Water Cannons At Philippine Ships In South China Sea appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News