Water Cannons Clash as China Blocks Philippine Boat in Disputed Sea

The Chinese coast guard’s recent use of water cannons against a Philippine fishing boat has heightened tensions in the already contentious South China Sea.

At a Glance

Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannons, blocked, and rammed a Philippine fisheries vessel in the disputed South China Sea.
Hostilities between China and the Philippines have escalated at sea and in the air recently.
China accused the Philippine ship of unprofessional and dangerous maneuvers and having journalists onboard to distort facts.
The United States expressed support for the Philippines, condemning China’s actions as unsafe, unlawful, and aggressive.

Heightened Tensions in the South China Sea

The Chinese coast guard has escalated its assertive tactics in the South China Sea, recently deploying water cannons to obstruct a Philippine fishing boat. The assertive actions occurred near the Sabina Shoal, a new flashpoint in the region, and involved aggressive maneuvers from Chinese coast guard vessels. Tensions have risen as both nations blame each other for the confrontations.

China claimed the Philippine vessel ignored warnings and caused a minor collision, accusing it of unprofessional and dangerous maneuvers. A Philippine government task force reported that eight Chinese vessels engaged in maneuvers causing engine failure in the Philippine vessel BRP Datu Sanday, endangering its crew.

The Philippine task force called on China to cease its provocative actions and reaffirmed its rights over the South China Sea.

Critical Reactions and International Support

In response to the confrontations, the United States expressed strong support for the Philippines. U.S. officials condemned China’s actions as unsafe, unlawful, and aggressive, emphasizing the strategic significance of the South China Sea. The Philippine military condemned the Chinese coast guard’s use of water cannons, describing the actions as “aggressive and dangerous” maneuvers intended to block a Filipino supply boat at the Second Thomas Shoal.

Chinese coast guard ships fire water cannons and block Philippine fisheries vessel in disputed sea https://t.co/5ZImkmXfTF

— WRAL NEWS in NC (@WRAL) August 25, 2024

Stakes in the Disputed Waters

The South China Sea is a crucial, disputed maritime area rich in natural resources. It holds significant strategic importance, making it a hotbed of territorial disputes, particularly between China and the Philippines. The recent incidents are part of ongoing hostilities and assertive claims by China over these waters, which conflict with claims by the Philippines and other neighboring nations.

“China’s latest illegal and irresponsible behavior highlights its egregious disregard for the Philippines’ lawful exercise of its rights and entitlements in our own Exclusive Economic Zone,” stated a Philippine task force official.

Historical and Ongoing Disputes

The territorial disputes in the South China Sea have a profound history, exacerbated by China’s broad claims over nearly all of the maritime area. An international tribunal ruled in 2016 that Beijing’s claims have no basis under international law, a decision that China rejects. This complex and volatile situation continues to spur frequent confrontations, like the recent one involving the Chinese and Philippine vessels.

WATCH: China Coast Guard ship rams, water cannons a Philippine vessel off Escoda Shoal

A China Coast Guard (CCG) ship on Sunday, August 25, rammed a Philippine government ship some 10 nautical miles away from Escoda or Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

The National Task… pic.twitter.com/BmztFzUiKw

— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) August 25, 2024

Future Implications

The continued assertiveness and military expansion by China in the South China Sea pose serious implications for regional stability. Both nations’ recent agreement to avoid hostile confrontations at certain shoals is a step forward, but incidents like the recent blockade and water cannon use indicate that the path to lasting peace and resolution remains fraught with challenges.

“The Philippines has violated China’s sovereignty with its actions,” said Gan Yu, spokesperson for China’s coast guard.