In a recent escalation of tensions in the disputed South China Sea, a Chinese coast guard vessel employed a high-pressure water cannon against a Philippine government ship anchored near Thitu Island, a territory occupied by the Philippines. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in minor structural damage to the Philippine vessel, BRP Datu Pagbuaya, though no injuries were reported among its crew. The Philippine coast guard condemned the act as a dangerous and provocative maneuver, emphasizing that such aggression would not deter their commitment to protecting national sovereignty.
The Chinese coast guard defended its actions, claiming that the Philippine vessels had illegally entered what it referred to as Chinese waters near Sandy Cay, a cluster of sandbars situated between Thitu Island and China’s artificial Subi Island base. According to Chinese authorities, the Philippine ships ignored repeated warnings, prompting the coast guard to take lawful measures to drive them away. Beijing reiterated its longstanding claim over virtually the entire South China Sea, despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated such claims. The ruling, supported by the United States and its allies, has been consistently rejected by China.
The Philippine coast guard released video footage showing the Chinese vessel firing the water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, striking both the ship and its flags. Commodore Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine coast guard, affirmed that such bullying tactics would not force Manila to relinquish any territory. Meanwhile, Chinese coast guard spokesperson Liu Dejun accused the Philippines of undermining regional peace and stability, placing full responsibility for the incident on the Philippine side.
Thitu Island, known as Pag-asa in the Philippines, is the largest of nine islands and reefs inhabited by Philippine forces in the Spratlys archipelago, a highly contested region of the South China Sea. China has transformed several barren reefs into militarized artificial islands, including Subi, which lies just over 20 kilometers from Thitu. The latest confrontation adds to the challenges faced by the Philippine government, which is also grappling with natural disasters, including recent earthquakes and typhoons that have devastated parts of the country.
Philippine coast guard commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan vowed that the harassment would only strengthen their resolve to protect Filipino fisherfolk and uphold national sovereignty. The incident underscores the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, involving multiple nations and raising concerns over regional stability.