China Coast Guard Uses Water Cannons on Philippine Vessels Near Scarborough Shoal
Quick Look
The China Coast Guard used water cannons and dangerous maneuvers against multiple Philippine vessels near Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal) on July 24, leading to a standoff between 10 Philippine and 15 Chinese ships.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The incident occurred in disputed waters off Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal), claimed by both China and the Philippines.
“On July 24, the China Coast Guard took control measures in accordance with the law toward multiple Philippine vessels engaged in illegal activities in waters under China’s jurisdiction off Huangyan Island,” the coastguard said in a statement on Friday, referring to Beijing’s name for Scarborough Shoal, known as Panatag Shoal in the Philippines.
Hours later, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela released a statement with video, accusing China Coast Guard of subjecting Philippine vessels to “a series of water cannon attacks and dangerous manoeuvres”.
He added that by 9.30am on Friday, 10 Philippine vessels and 15 Chinese ships remained in a stand-off in the area.
“The PCG [Philippine Coast Guard] strongly condemns the dangerous and unprofessional actions of the China Coast Guard,” he said.
In a further statement issued by China Coast Guard on Friday afternoon, spokesman Jiang Lue confirmed that Chinese vessels had used water cannons, verbal warnings and blocking manoeuvres against Philippine ships during the latest operation around Scarborough Shoal.
Open Questions
- What were the "illegal activities" alleged by China?
- What specific damage, if any, did the Philippine vessels sustain?
