Philippines releases a video accusing China of attacking its boats with water cannons

 Philippines releases a video accusing China of attacking its boats with water cannons

The Chinese Coast Guard's (CCG) conduct was denounced by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as "excessive and offensive."

The China Coast Guard (CCG) was criticised by the Philippines for using water cannons to attack its ships in the contested South China Sea. On Saturday, the boats were heading to Ayungin Shoal on a mission to replenish supplies at the BRP Sierra Madre.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had chartered native boats to transport food, water, fuel, and other supplies to military personnel stationed on BRP Sierra Madre beginning at Second. The China Coast Guard was criticised for their "dangerous manoeuvres and illegal use of water pistols" against its ships by Thomas Shoal and the Philippine Border Guard (PCG).

PCG The role of a for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said, "The Computer graphics calls on the China Coast Guard to restrain its resources, respect the sovereign sovereignty of the country of the Philippines in its exclusive economic region and continental shelf, refrain from obstructing freedom of navigation, and take appropriate actions against those who were involved in this prohibited incident."

The China Coast Guard warships (CCG 4203 and CCG 5305) engaged in illegal behaviour by using water cannons on the MRRV-4409 without authorization, which is strongly condemned by the Philippine Coast Guard. We further request that the CCG follow the COLREGS.

The Chinese operations were denounced by the US State Department, which said they were carried out by the coast guard and "maritime militia" and posed a direct danger to regional peace and stability.

Second Thomas Shoal is more than 1,000 kilometres (124 miles) away from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan Island, and about 200 kilometres (124 miles) away from the Philippine island of Palawan.

Manila said that Chinese coast guard and naval warships frequently obstruct or follow Philippine ships patrolling the disputed waters.

The Chinese coast guard had not fired water cannon against a Philippine resupply operation to Second Thomas Shoal since November 2021, but that changed on Saturday. According to the PCG, the CCG's actions "not only disregarded the safety of the PCG crew and the supply boats but also violated international law, including the provisions of the Convention on the Law of the Sea."  

of the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), the 1982 edition of the United Nations Convention on the Lawfulness of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award."

Additionally, it urged the CCG to exercise restraint with its forces, respect the Philippines' right to self-determination, and uphold maritime law duties.

The PCG added, "We request that the China Coast Guard cease all illegal activities within maritime regions of the Philippines as a force with an incentive to observe state obligations under UNCLOS, COLREGs, as well as other relevant instruments relating to global maritime safety and security.