Philippines and China Coast Guards Clash Again at Scarborough Shoal for Second Day
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has accused its Chinese counterpart of using water cannon against Philippine government vessels near the Scarborough Shoal for a second consecutive day. This marks the third confrontation between the two countries in the South China Sea this week.
According to the PCG, a Chinese vessel approached within about 7 metres (23 feet) of a Philippine fisheries boat, creating what it described as "a serious risk of collision." The incident occurred in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which China claims as part of its sovereign territory.
"The PCG strongly condemns the dangerous and unprofessional actions of the China Coast Guard," spokesperson Jay Tarriela said in a statement. He emphasized that the shoal is a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos, "whose rights cannot be lawfully impeded by any foreign power."
Earlier on Friday, China's Coast Guard stated that it had imposed "control measures" on several Philippine vessels it accused of operating illegally in the waters around Scarborough Shoal, known in Chinese as Huangyan Island. A similar incident had occurred on Thursday.
China has maintained a presence at the shoal for years, deploying coast guard ships throughout the South China Sea. Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire waterway, including parts of the EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
The latest confrontations come as Southeast Asian foreign ministers concluded regional meetings in Manila, attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio described Beijing's actions in the South China Sea as "disturbing" and reaffirmed US support for defence treaty ally the Philippines.
The two incidents at Scarborough Shoal, one of the most contested features in the South China Sea, follow a confrontation on Monday at the Second Thomas Shoal, about 650 kilometres (400 miles) away. Manila said a Filipino sailor was injured after being struck with a baton by Chinese Coast Guard personnel. China, in turn, accused the Philippine navy of ignoring warnings and attempting to ram a Chinese patrol boat. Both countries summoned each other's ambassadors in protest.
Sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal remains unresolved. A 2016 arbitration ruling, initiated by the Philippines, largely favoured Manila and stated that China's blockade of the shoal violated international law. Beijing does not recognise the ruling.
