Chinese vessels allegedly use water cannon on ships resupplying military outpost in South China Sea: Philippines
China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea continue as Philippines claim Chinese vessels fired water cannons and engaged in dangerous maneuvers towards Philippine ships resupplying a remote military outpost Tensions escalate in this long-standing territorial dispute
Chinese ships were accused by Manila of using water cannons and engaging in dangerous maneuvers towards Philippine vessels that were resupplying a remote military outpost. This incident, which occurred in the disputed South China Sea, is the latest in a series of conflicts between the two countries. According to Philippine authorities, a Chinese coast guard vessel fired water cannons at the M/L Kalayaan in an unsuccessful attempt to alter its course, while it was on a routine resupply mission to troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre at the Second Thomas Shoal.
The Philippines has also alleged that Chinese maritime militia vessels were engaged in the harassment, with two Philippine boats being subjected to "reckless" and "dangerous" actions by inflatable boats from the Chinese coast guard.
To assert its territorial claim over the area, the Philippines intentionally grounded the BRP Sierra Madre in 1999 at the Second Thomas Shoal, referred to as Ayungin Shoal by Manila and Renai Reef by Beijing. This former US Navy ship continues to serve as a symbol of the Philippines' presence in the region.
China vehemently disputes this claim, leading to frequent confrontations in the heavily contested waterway. In a statement, Gan Yu, the spokesperson for China's coast guard, pointed out that two small transport vessels and three marine police vessels from the Philippines entered the waters near Renai Reef in China's Nansha Islands without the necessary permission from the Chinese government.
On August 22, 2023, this photograph captures a Chinese coast guard ship (L) tracking a Philippine civilian boat chartered by the Philippine navy. The purpose of the boat was to deliver supplies to the Philippine navy ship BRP Sierra Madre in the disputed South China Sea. While aboard the BRP Cabra, one of the two Philippine Coast Guard escort boats, an AFP journalist witnessed a Chinese ship approaching within a few meters of the vessel. AFP, along with two other media outlets, had the rare opportunity to join the Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal, which occurred less than three weeks after Chinese coast guard ships used water cannon during a similar replenishment operation. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP) / "The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Ted ALJIBE has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: UPDATES CAPTION TO [in the disputed South China Sea]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require." (Photo by TED ALJIBE/AFP via Getty Images)
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Tensions are flaring once more in the South China Sea. Heres why it matters for the world
China asserts its irrefutable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their surrounding waters, including Renai Reef. It asserts that the actions of the Philippines violate China's territorial sovereignty and urges Manila to cease its provocative actions. This incident near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands follows two previous collisions for which China and Manila held each other responsible, occurring approximately three weeks ago.
In its statement regarding the recent incident, the Philippines expressed condemnation for China's latest acts of coercion and hazardous maneuvers against a lawful and routine Philippine rotation and resupply mission. The actions of China not only endangered the lives of our people but also raised doubts about the authenticity of its claims for peaceful dialogue.
The Filipino troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre endure harsh living conditions on the deteriorated remnants of the World War II era ship and depend on regular supply deliveries. However, despite the incident on Friday, the Philippine government confirmed that the resupply mission was successfully carried out.
Beijing asserts unwavering control over nearly the entire South China Sea, encompassing a considerable number of islands and sandbars, even those located miles away from mainland China. This assertion contradicts a 2016 verdict by an international court that favored the Philippines. As a response to the recent event, the Philippine Embassy in Beijing lodged a formal complaint with the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
The South China Sea is widely regarded as a possible source of global conflict. Recent tensions between Manila and Beijing have raised concerns among Western observers that these disputes could escalate into an international incident if China, a global powerhouse, decides to take stronger actions against the Philippines, a US treaty ally.
