China Coast Guard Uses Water Cannon Against Philippine Supply Vessel

There have been multiple reports of incidents in the South China Sea where China's coast guard used water cannons against Philippine vessels. The latest skirmish took place near the Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, which is approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan. This area has been the site of similar stand-offs in recent months. According to various sources, a Filipino supply vessel was blocked and damaged by Chinese coast guard vessels using water cannons. The incidents occurred off Second Thomas Shoal and Spratly Islands waters. The Philippine government accused China of damaging their vessel during the nearly hour-long attack. Similar incidents have taken place in recent months, with Chinese ships colliding with or using water cannons against Filipino vessels. China's coast guard has stated that they took control measures against Philippine vessels in disputed waters. However, China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including the Second Thomas Shoal, which is within the Philippines' 200-mile exclusive economic zone. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had recently reiterated Washington's commitment to defending Philippine access to the South China Sea.