Chinese Ships Water-Cannon Philippine Vessels Near Scarborough Shoal as 15 Boats Force Mission Abort
Updated
Updated · CNN International · Jul 23
Chinese Ships Water-Cannon Philippine Vessels Near Scarborough Shoal as 15 Boats Force Mission Abort
3 articles · Updated · CNN International · Jul 23
Summary
A Philippine fisheries vessel carrying a CNN crew was hit by Chinese water cannon near Scarborough Shoal on Friday, in the third confrontation this week in the disputed South China Sea.
Fifteen Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels confronted 10 Philippine ships during a fuel resupply mission for local fishermen; one Chinese ship came within seven meters, prompting Manila to cite a serious collision risk.
The Philippine vessels later turned back, officially citing a developing typhoon, while the coast guard accused China of dangerous maneuvers and Beijing said its actions were lawful enforcement against "illegal activities."
The clash followed a Thursday standoff near the same shoal and a Monday collision at Second Thomas Shoal that injured two Philippine service members, drawing fresh U.S. warnings under its mutual defense treaty with Manila.
Scarborough Shoal sits on a waterway carrying about one-third of global maritime trade, making repeated encounters there a wider flashpoint despite a 2016 tribunal ruling rejecting most of China's South China Sea claims.