China Ship Fires Water Cannon at Philippine Vessel in South China Sea

Chinese vessels fired water cannon at Philippine ships, including one carrying a CNN crew, near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on Friday, marking the third tense confrontation in the contested waterway that week, according to verified reporting from the scene.

Scarborough Shoal Confrontation and Water Cannon Attacks

During a mission to resupply local fishermen on Friday, Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessels faced aggressive maneuvers near Scarborough Shoal. According to the Philippine Coast Guard, vessels were subjected to water cannon attacks and dangerous maneuvers by the China Coast Guard, with one Chinese ship coming within seven meters—about 23 feet—of the Philippine boat carrying the CNN team, posing a serious risk of collision.

China’s state broadcaster defended the actions, reporting that its coast guard took enforcement measures in accordance with the law against several Philippine vessels engaged in illegal activities in waters under Chinese jurisdiction around Huangyan Island, the Chinese name for the shoal. Beijing’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told CNN’s Mike Valerio that it was legitimate and lawful for China to take necessary measures to uphold its rights and security.

Second Thomas Shoal Clash and Injuries

Frictions escalated earlier in the week following a violent clash at Second Thomas Shoal, a rocky outcrop in the Spratly Island chain. According to the Philippine military, a China Coast Guard ship dispatched a smaller boat that approached the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded World War II-era ship housing a small Philippine contingent.

In response, the Philippines launched two rigid-hulled inflatable boats to escort the Chinese craft away. Philippine video footage showed a group of eight Chinese troops in a boat ramming a smaller Philippine craft, during which blows appeared to be exchanged using wooden batons and oars. Two Philippine service members were injured and subsequently evacuated for treatment, while Chinese authorities accused the Philippines of spreading misinformation and claimed Philippine boats had rammed and fiercely attacked their personnel.

US Defense Treaty Commitments and Regional Stakes

The United States responded strongly to the week’s events, with the State Department condemning China’s dangerous and aggressive moves following the Monday incident. On Thursday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Washington’s stance while speaking on the sidelines of an ASEAN meeting in Manila, stating that the US has a role and will not abandon its allies.

The Philippines is a US mutual defense treaty ally, which binds Washington legally to come to Manila’s aid if an attack occurs on its territory or potentially its ships at sea. Analysts and officials note that the South China Sea remains a major potential flashpoint, serving as a crucial economic corridor where one-third of global maritime trade passes every year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who claims sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal?

China, the Philippines, and Taiwan all claim sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal, an uninhabited rock with a central lagoon located 140 miles west of Luzon.

What is the legal status of China’s claims in the South China Sea?

An international tribunal ruled in 2016 that China has no legal basis to claim historical rights to the bulk of the South China Sea, though Beijing rejected the ruling.

How many countries contest the South China Sea?

China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan all claim various islands, reefs, and atolls across the 1.4 million-square-mile waterway.

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