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13-10-2025
MANILA: The Philippines accused Chinese maritime forces of using water cannon and ramming a Filipino vessel near the Philippine-occupied Thitu Island, calling the actions a “clear threat” that escalates tensions in contested South China Sea waters.
The Philippines Coast Guard said three Filipino vessels, including the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, were anchored near Thitu Island, locally known as Pag-asa Island, early on Sunday as part of a government program to protect local fishermen when Chinese ships reportedly approached and used water cannon to intimidate them.
An hour later, a China coast guard ship allegedly fired its water cannon directly at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya before ramming its stern, causing minor damage but no injuries, the PCG said.
Manila’s coast guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vowed to continue their operations in the area, saying their presence is essential to safeguarding the livelihood of Filipino fishermen.
China’s embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Tensions between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea have been rising through the year, particularly over the Scarborough Shoal, a prime fishing ground.
The Philippines and China conflict is primarily a territorial dispute over the South China Sea, specifically features like the Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Islands, where both claim sovereignty. This has led to escalating tensions and confrontations involving Chinese use of water cannons and ramming against Philippine vessels, while the Philippines accuses China of “dangerous maneuvers” and violating its territory, according to media and The China-Global South Project. The core issues include control over rich fishing grounds, potential oil and gas reserves, and strategic shipping lanes.
Key aspects of the conflict:
Territorial claims; China claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, which the Philippines disputes as a violation of international law.
Recent incidents:
Water cannon and ramming: In recent incidents, China’s Coast Guard has reportedly used water cannons and rammed a Philippine vessel near Thitu Island, which the Philippines strongly condemned as a “clear threat,” reports Arab News PK and The China-Global South Project.
Harassment; China is also accused of harassing Philippine resupply missions to the Second Thomas Shoal with tactics like using military-grade lasers and water cannons, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.
High-seas confrontation: The Philippines also released footage of a confrontation near Sandy Kay (Tesian Reef), showing Chinese vessels blocking and bumping Philippine boats, according to this YouTube video.
“Show of sovereignty”: China has conducted actions like placing a nature reserve over disputed areas and using state media to show its personnel on features like Sandy Kay, which the Philippines says are illegal acts of sovereignty, notes this YouTube video and this YouTube video.
Underlying causes: The dispute is rooted in competition for resources, particularly fishing areas and potential oil and gas deposits, as well as control over vital shipping lanes, according to BYJU’S.
Geopolitical dimension: The Philippines has sought support from the United States, which has stated its commitment to the Philippines’ defense, creating a deeper geopolitical rivalry, sources claim. (Int’l Monitoring Desk)
