China Fires Water Cannon at Philippine Vessels Near Scarborough Shoal

Beijing: China and the Philippines made allegations after Chinese coast guard vessels fired water cannons at Philippine government vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, the second incident in two days and the third maritime confrontation between the two countries this week.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard, Chinese warships also took part in unsafe tactics, including approaching a Philippine fisheries boat. Beijing said it had taken ‘control measures’ against Philippine vessels that were operating illegally in Chinese-claimed seas.

The recent clash has heightened tensions between the two countries, who have been at odds for years over conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea.