Philippines: Philippine authorities have accused Chinese ships of firing water cannons at Filipino boats and taking dangerous actions in the disputed South China Sea.
The incident occurred during a Philippine mission to supply a small garrison on Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands and a historical hotspot between the nations.
China deploys coast guards and other vessels to patrol the strongly disputed area, reaffirming its assertion of nearly total control over the South China Sea.
Manila, the Capital of the Philippines stated that the Chinese coast guard and other vessels “harassed, blocked, executed dangerous manoeuvres” as they tried to “illegally impede or obstruct” the mission.
According to the Philippines’ National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, a Chinese coast guard vessel used a water cannon against one of two supply boats.
The supply mission faced highly reckless and perilous harassment at close range from Chinese boats within the shoal, as stated by the Philippines’ National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea. Despite this, Philippine vessels successfully delivered their cargo.
“The Philippines’ actions infringe on China’s territorial sovereignty. We urge the Philippines to immediately stop its infringing actions,” China Coast Guard spokesperson Mr. Gan Yu said.
Second Thomas Shoal is situated approximately 200 kilometres (124 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan and over 1,000 kilometres from China’s closest major landmass, Hainan island.
“The systematic and consistent manner in which the People’s Republic of China carries out these illegal and irresponsible actions puts into question and significant doubt the sincerity of its calls for peaceful dialogue,” the statement observed.
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