The Philippines has condemned China for using water cannons on its ships in the West Philippine Sea.
The incident happened on Saturday when the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was escorting boats carrying supplies to military personnel stationed on BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
The PCG said that the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) fired water cannons at its ships, which is a dangerous and illegal act. The PCG also said that the CCG’s actions violated international law.
The Philippines’ military also condemned the CCG’s actions, calling them “excessive and offensive.”
Meanwhile, China said that it had taken “necessary controls” against Philippine boats that had “illegally” entered its waters.
The Philippines has stated that these actions by China are in violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
China has not accepted the international ruling that invalidates its expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea and continues to harass Filipino fishermen and make persistent incursions in the West Philippine Sea.
This is not the first time that China has been accused of harassing Philippine ships in the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippines has repeatedly called on China to respect its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
However, China has continued to ignore these calls and has instead increased its militarization of the region.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 7, 2023
