The Philippine Coast Guard reported that Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels used water cannons and engaged in dangerous blocking tactics against Filipino fishing boats operating near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea on Friday, according to Bloomberg. The incident resulted in injuries to three fishermen who suffered open wounds and bruises, while two of the 20 fishing vessels targeted sustained significant damage, according to Bloomberg.
The shoal, known locally as Escoda Shoal and referred to by China as Xianbin Reef, became the site of confrontation when Chinese rigid-hull inflatable boats reportedly cut anchor lines of several Filipino vessels. The Philippine Coast Guard stated this action endangered crews during conditions of strong currents and high waves.
China maintains broad territorial assertions over the South China Sea, a strategically vital waterway containing substantial oil and gas deposits through which trillions of dollars in international commerce pass annually. These claims persist despite a 2016 international arbitration tribunal ruling that rejected their legal basis.
Liu Dejun, spokesperson for the China Coast Guard, stated that Philippine vessels ignored repeated warnings from Chinese ships. He said Chinese authorities implemented control measures including warnings and forced departures under applicable laws and regulations. Liu added that China Coast Guard operations would continue in what Beijing considers its jurisdictional waters to protect territorial sovereignty and maritime interests.
In response to the incident, the Philippine Coast Guard dispatched two multi-role response vessels to assist the affected fishermen. These support vessels faced repeated obstruction and hazardous maneuvers from Chinese ships, with one Chinese vessel closing to within 32 meters of a Philippine Coast Guard ship overnight before the latter reached the fishing fleet Saturday morning. Philippine vessels remain positioned near the fishing boats, providing fuel and provisions to enable continued fishing operations.
