The tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated as the Chinese Coast Guard attacked three Filipino ships at Scarborough Shoal using water cannons, according to the Filipino news portal Rappler.
The Philippine authorities reported that the Chinese vessels targeted the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ships, which were delivering fuel and supplies to Filipino fishermen. This aggressive act by the Chinese ships hindered the provision of essential resources to the Filipino fishermen. It is estimated that the water cannons were fired at least eight times.
The Filipino vessel, Datu Tamblot, suffered significant damage to its communication and navigation equipment as a result of this water attack.
On December 3rd, the Philippine Coast Guard stated that over 135 Chinese maritime militia vessels are currently present in the South China Sea near the disputed Whitsun Reef (also known as Julian Felipe Reef). They revealed that they had initially spotted 111 Chinese militia vessels in the area on November 13th, but the number has since exceeded 135. In response, the Philippines has deployed several patrol boats to the region.
Whitsun Reef is located 320 km from the Philippine island of Palawan and over 1,000 km from the Chinese island of Hainan. Vietnam has also claimed rights to the reef, in addition to China and the Philippines.
Earlier, the Philippines accused China of using a military-grade laser in the South China Sea, further intensifying tensions in the region.
