The Philippines has accused the Chinese coast guard of “dangerous harassment” of
Filipino boats in the disputed South China Sea, including firing a water cannon and
blocking vessels on a resupply mission.
The incident happened during a Philippine mission to deliver provisions to a tiny
garrison on Second Thomas Shoal, which is part of the Spratly Islands and a
longstanding flashpoint between the countries.
China deploys coast guard and other vessels to patrol the hotly contested region
and asserts its claim to almost the entire South China Sea. China, however, said it
“took control measures” against two Philippine transport boats and three coast
guard vessels it insisted were in Chinese waters.