Philippines Accuses China of Attacking Boats in South China Sea

On Sunday, the Philippines accused the Chinese Coast Guard of using water cannons against its patrol boats in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, describing these actions as "illegal" and "dangerous."

In response, China stated that it had taken "necessary measures" against the Philippine vessels that had entered its waters "illegally."

The incident occurred on Saturday when Philippine Coast Guard boats were escorting supply ships to Filipino soldiers stationed on Thitu Island in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

A statement from the Philippine Coast Guard strongly condemned the "dangerous maneuvers of the Chinese Coast Guard and the unlawful use of water cannons against Philippine patrol boats."

Beijing asserts sovereignty over most of the South China Sea and has ignored a 2016 ruling by an international court that invalidated its territorial claims.

The US State Department also denounced the Chinese actions, stating that they were carried out by the Coast Guard and "maritime militia" and directly threatened regional peace and stability.

The coral-rich Second Thomas Shoal, which is part of the disputed Spratly Islands, lies about 200 kilometers from the Philippine Island of Palawan and over 1,000 kilometers from Hainan Island, the nearest Chinese territory.

Manila claims that its patrol ships regularly face monitoring and interception by the Chinese Coast Guard or navy vessels while conducting patrols in these disputed waters.