US and Allies Raise Concerns Following Another Collision Between Chinese and Philippine Vessels in South China Sea
According to Filipino officials, Chinese vessels fired water cannons and sideswiped Philippine ships in two hotly contested areas in the South China Sea.
On Dec. 4, the United States and several allies condemned China’s actions as dangerous after reports of Chinese vessels firing water cannons and sideswiping Philippine patrolling ships in the South China Sea.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson criticized China for its “unlawful use of water cannons” and “dangerous maneuvers” that endangered the lives of those on board.
One incident occurred near Scarborough Shoal, where Chinese coast guard ships targeted Philippine vessels with water cannons and sideswiped a Philippine craft, as reported by Manila’s officials.
The ongoing tensions over Scarborough Shoal, a disputed reef claimed by both China and the Philippines, add to the confrontation.
Despite a 2016 ruling by an international arbitration court refuting China’s historical claims, the regime has refused to recognize the ruling, leading to increased military presence in the disputed areas.
In response to China’s narrative contradicting Manila’s account of the events, the Philippine government ship was accused of dangerously approaching Chinese ships in territorial waters around Huangyan Island.
Another confrontation near Sabina Shoal saw a Philippine vessel sideswiped and rammed by Chinese coast guard ships, prompting Manila’s National Maritime Council to call on China to exercise self-restraint.
