2LT International News

MANILA, The Philippines: In the latest confrontation near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, Philippine officials said a Chinese coast guard ships sprayed water cannons at a supply boat on Saturday, causing injuries to its navy crew members and heavy damage to the wooden vessel.

The US and Japan immediately expressed their support for the Philippines amid China’s aggression off the Second Thomas Shoal, which witnessed several confrontations between Philippine and Chinese ships.

Since 1999, the shoal has been occupied by a small contingent of Philippine navy and marines on a marooned warship, but it is now surrounded by Chinese coast guard and suspected militia vessels.

The incident was the second time this month when the Philippine boat, the Unaizah May 4, has been damaged by the Chinese coast guard water cannons.

Escorted by two Philippine coast guard ships, the Unaizah May 4 was en route to deliver supplies and Filipino sailors to the territorial outpost in the shoal on Saturday when they were blocked and surrounded by Chinese coast guard ships and suspected militia vessels.

In a statement, a Philippine government task force dealing with the territorial conflicts said, “Their reckless and dangerous actions culminated with the water cannoning of Unaizah May 4, causing severe damage to the vessel and injuries to Filipinos onboard.”

“The Philippines will not be deterred by veiled threats or hostility from exercising our legal rights over our maritime zones,” it added.

In response, Chinese coast guard spokesperson Gan Yu said that despite repeated warnings, the Philippine vessels intruded into what he claimed was China’s territorial waters.

“The Chinese coast guard implemented lawful regulation, interception and expulsion in a reasonable and professional manner,” Gan said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila summoned China’s deputy ambassador to protest the Chinese coast guard’s actions, which it said were unacceptable.