Post by : Saif Rahman

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has accused the China Coast Guard of using water cannons against Philippine government vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal for a second consecutive day, marking the third confrontation between the two countries in the South China Sea this week.

According to the PCG, a Chinese coast guard vessel came within about 7 metres (23 feet) of a Philippine fisheries boat, creating what it described as a serious risk of collision.

Philippines Condemns China's Actions

PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela condemned the incident, calling the Chinese Coast Guard's actions "dangerous and unprofessional."

The Philippines said Scarborough Shoal lies within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and remains a traditional fishing ground for Filipino fishermen, whose rights should not be obstructed.

China Defends Coast Guard Measures

China's Coast Guard said it had taken "control measures" against several Philippine government and fishing vessels that it claimed were operating illegally near the shoal.

Beijing said its personnel issued warnings, blocked the vessels and deployed water cannons after Philippine ships allegedly ignored repeated instructions and entered waters claimed by China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian described the coast guard's actions as "reasonable, lawful and beyond reproach," urging the Philippines to stop what Beijing called provocations.

Read more: Philippines Gears Up for 2025 Midterm Elections Amid Digital Disinformation Concerns

Regional Tensions Continue to Rise

The latest confrontation follows another incident earlier this week near the Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines said a Filipino sailor was injured during an encounter with the China Coast Guard.

The dispute unfolded as Southeast Asian foreign ministers met in Manila, where U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern over China's actions in the South China Sea and reaffirmed Washington's support for the Philippines under their mutual defence treaty.

Scarborough Shoal remains one of the most disputed areas in the South China Sea. A 2016 international arbitration ruling rejected many of China's maritime claims, although Beijing continues to reject the decision.

#world news #Global News