Chinese vessels fire water cannon, block PH ships in Scarborough Shoal - PCG

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard said it had another encounter with the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) as the former was patrolling the waters surrounding Bajo de Masinloc, or Scarborough Shoal, on Wednesday morning, Dec. 4.

Chinese vessels fired water cannons, blocked their paths, and shadowed Manila’s vessels, PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriella said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The PCG was with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for a routine maritime patrol.

Tarriela said, at around 6:30 a.m., CCG 3302 fired a water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, “aiming directly at the vessel's navigational antennas” while it was around 16 nautical miles south of Scarborough Shoal. PCG said another water cannon was launched 25 minutes later.

The coast guard added the Chinese ship “intentionally sideswiped” the Philippine vessel on its starboard side.

According to Tarriela, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy 500 and CCG 503 made “dangerous maneuvers”, blocking and shadowing BRP Teresa Magbanua.

Another Chinese vessel (CCG CCG 3104) made “reckless maneuvers” against BRP Cabra at a distance of 300 yards, the PCG said.

“The PCG and BFAR reaffirm their commitment to protecting the rights and safety of our fishermen within our maritime jurisdiction. We will continue to be vigilant in safeguarding our national interests in the West Philippine Sea,” said Tariella.

A Reuters report meanwhile said the CCG claimed four Philippine ships “dangerously approached” its “normal law enforcement patrol” around Scarborough Shoal.

In November, the Philippines signed the maritime zone and sea lanes laws, aimed at protecting its sovereign rights and regulating foreign vessel access in the West Philippine Sea. China has condemned the move, describing it as a violation of its maritime rights. – with reports from Reuters