On Tuesday, tensions escalated as the Philippines accused Chinese Coast Guard vessels of using water cannons against a Philippine supply boat during a routine resupply mission.
Drone footage released by the Philippine Coast Guard revealed the altercation, which resulted in shattered windshields and minor injuries to the Philippine crew.
The Philippines condemned China’s actions, citing dangerous maneuvers that led to a collision between the vessels. China asserted sovereignty over the area, claiming the Philippine boats had illegally intruded into its waters.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has protested the aggressive actions of Chinese vessels during a rotation and resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal.
Labeling the incident as “unacceptable,” the DFA demanded the Chinese vessels to leave the area.
This incident underscores the ongoing dispute over territorial claims in the South China Sea, despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration dismissing China’s claims as lacking legal basis.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 6, 2024
