The waters near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea have once again become the focal point of conflict between China and the Philippines, with a major standoff erupting on the 16th.
The China Coast Guard accused a Philippine government vessel of intentionally ramming a coast guard ship, responding with high-pressure water cannons. The Philippine side, meanwhile, released footage showing the water cannon smashing the cockpit glass and injuring a crew member. The incident may have been triggered by China's recent announcement of the establishment of a national-level nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal, further intensifying tensions in the South China Sea. Both sides stuck to their own versions, accusing each other of causing the conflict, keeping the powder keg atmosphere in the South China Sea alive.
Official footage released by China shows a Philippine Water Resources Bureau vessel heading straight toward the China Coast Guard ship—even though the Philippine vessel was clearly much smaller. The China Coast Guard quickly fired back with high-pressure water cannons. The Philippines also published footage showing the powerful jet not only shattered the cockpit glass but also damaged the vessel’s outdoor air-conditioning unit, leaving the cabin in disarray with alarms blaring, creating a very tense atmosphere at the scene.
At the scene of the clash, the Chinese Coast Guard issued a radio warning: “Philippines 3016 vessel, this is China Coast Guard 3305. You made a sharp turn at our bow, endangering the safety of our equipment and personnel.” The China Coast Guard stated that the Philippines organized more than ten government vessels to intentionally approach the Chinese coast guard ship, ignoring warnings and advisories, which led to the use of water cannons in response. China even released footage showing a Philippine crew member unable to withstand the water cannon, raising a white flag.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that China’s taking necessary actions in accordance with the law to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests is beyond reproach. Some outside analyses interpret this fresh collision as stemming from China’s June 10th announcement of a national-level nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal. Less than a week later, both sides once again were at loggerheads.
In response, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard issued a statement saying that the purpose of the Philippine government vessel was to deliver supplies for fishermen, but was chased by Chinese coast guard ships for about half an hour, resulting in a crew member being injured by glass. The Philippine Maritime Commission also refuted the Chinese Coast Guard’s explanation, saying it was untrue and accused them of spreading disinformation.