In this image made from a video provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Coast Guard vessel, BRP BAGACAY (MRRV-4410), shows the water cannoned by Chinese coast guards as it attempts to approach the waters near Scarborough Shoal, locally known as Bajo de Masinlac. South China Sea on April 30, 2024 | Image Credit: AP
Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannons at two Philippine patrol vessels on April 30 near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, causing minor damage to one vessel, in the latest flare-up in an increasingly tense regional conflict.
There were no immediate reports of injuries in the incident at Scarborough Shoal, one of two hotly contested areas where clashes between China and the Philippines have erupted since last year.
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A Philippine coast guard vessel and an accompanying fishing vessel were patrolling the waters off Scarborough Shoal when four Chinese coast guard vessels, supported by six suspected militia vessels, executed a dangerous blocking maneuver, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Commodore Jay Tariela said.
A Chinese coast guard vessel used water cannon against the fishing vessel BRP Bangkao and two other Chinese coast guard vessels rammed the Philippine coast guard vessel BRP Bagakae simultaneously from both sides, damaging its deck railing and part of its canopy. , said Tariela.
Chinese officials had no immediate comment. They have repeatedly insisted on China’s sovereignty over all parts of the South China Sea, a key global trade route, and have warned that they will defend their territory at any cost.
Philippine ships continued their patrols despite the actions of the Chinese coast guard, Tariella said.
“They are not deterred and will continue to carry out their legitimate operations to support Filipino fishermen and ensure their safety,” Tariela said in a statement. He said Philippine ships have been deployed to distribute fuel and food to Filipino fishermen on the high seas.
China’s coast guard has re-installed a floating barrier across the shoal’s wide fishing lagoon entrance, he said. The Philippine Coast Guard had earlier removed a similar barrier to allow Filipinos to fish in the lagoon.
Besides the Philippines and China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are also involved in territorial disputes.
The increasing frequency of skirmishes between the Philippines and China have injured Filipino navy personnel and damaged supply boats in the past, raising fears that the regional conflict could degenerate into an armed conflict that could put China and the United States on a collision course. .
The US claims no rights to the South China Sea but has warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, a longtime treaty ally, if Filipino forces, ships and aircraft are subject to armed attack, including in contested waters.