The Philippines said on Monday it will formally protest what it described as the Chinese coast guard’s “harassment and endangerment” of Filipino fishermen near Sabina Shoal, following a violent encounter that left three injured and damaged two fishing boats.
Fishermen Injured in Water Cannon Attack
According to the Philippine coast guard, Chinese vessels fired water cannons and cut the anchor lines of Filipino fishing boats operating within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Friday. The incident occurred near Sabina Shoal also known as Escoda Shoal to Manila and Xianbin Reef to Beijing about 150 kilometres west of Palawan province.
Manila expressed alarm over the use of force, calling the Chinese coast guard’s actions unjustifiable. “The use of water cannons and dangerous manoeuvres that cause injury and damage cannot be justified,” the Philippines’ maritime council said in a statement.
The council confirmed that the government would file a formal diplomatic protest, or demarche, to the Chinese embassy in Manila on Monday. “The Philippines will undertake the appropriate diplomatic response and register its strong objection to these actions,” it said, urging China to immediately halt such “aggressive acts.”
Beijing Blames Manila for “Provocation”
China’s foreign ministry disputed Manila’s account, accusing the Philippines of sending a “large number of ships” to Sabina Shoal to “create trouble.” Spokesperson Guo Jiakun claimed Filipino vessels ignored repeated warnings and “took dangerous actions,” even “brandishing knives to threaten Chinese coast guard officers.”
On Friday, China’s coast guard said it had “driven away multiple Philippine vessels and taken control measures.” Manila dismissed that statement as “deeply troubling,” accusing Beijing of escalating tensions in the South China Sea.
“We call on the CCG to act responsibly, adhere to international maritime conduct, and prioritise the preservation of life at sea over actions that sow fear and endanger civilians,” the Philippine maritime council said.
U.S. Backs Manila, China Warns Washington
The United States, a treaty ally of the Philippines, condemned China’s actions. “We stand with our Philippine allies as they confront China’s provocative actions and increasingly dangerous tactics against its neighbours,” said U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott, adding that such behaviour undermines regional stability.
China responded by warning Washington not to “interfere in maritime matters” or “incite confrontation,” reiterating its claim to sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea—a waterway that handles more than $3 trillion in annual trade.
Long-Standing Dispute
Sabina Shoal lies within the Philippines’ EEZ, an area validated by a 2016 international arbitral tribunal ruling that rejected Beijing’s sweeping territorial claims as having no basis under international law. China, however, continues to disregard the verdict.
The latest confrontation adds to a series of escalating maritime incidents between the two countries and underscores growing tensions in one of the world’s most contested waters.
(with inputs from Reuters)
