China Coast Guard Collides, Uses Water Cannon Against Philippine Vessels Near Scarborough Reef

Tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated in the South China Sea near Scarborough Reef and Bajo de Masinloc, involving confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels. A Philippine Coast Guard vessel, BRP Suluan, evaded a water cannon attack from a Chinese ship while assisting Filipino fishermen as part of a government initiative. During the pursuit, a collision occurred between a Chinese Coast Guard vessel and a Chinese Navy warship following a risky maneuver, causing significant damage to the Chinese vessels. Philippine authorities condemned the hazardous maneuvers and blocking actions by Chinese ships, which endangered Filipino fishermen and patrol boats operating in disputed waters. The Scarborough Reef lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone but remains controlled by China, which rejects a 2016 international arbitration ruling invalidating its territorial claims. The Philippine Coast Guard provided assistance to the damaged Chinese vessel after the collision and ensured the safety and resupply of Filipino fishermen in the area.