Philippines Accuses China Of Water Cannon Use As Clashes Continue For 2nd Day
The Philippines has accused Chinese vessels of using water cannons against its ships for a second consecutive day in contested South China Sea waters. This escalation follows multiple maritime confrontations involving coast guard and supply vessels near disputed reefs.
Philippine authorities reported that Chinese coast guard vessels deployed water cannons against ships participating in a resupply mission on Sunday. The incident occurred near Second Thomas Shoal, a flashpoint for recent maritime tensions between the two nations.
According to maritime officials, the Chinese maneuvers caused functional damage to at least one Philippine vessel's engines. The confrontation took place less than twenty-four hours after a similar incident involving a humanitarian mission near Scarborough Shoal.
Officials in Beijing have defended their actions, stating that the Philippine vessels were trespassing in territorial waters. The Philippine Coast Guard has formally condemned the maneuvers as dangerous and unprofessional, citing risks to the safety of crew members on board. Source: Philippines Coast Guard
