The latest incident at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal involved China’s coastguard firing water cannon at a Philippine supply boat according to Manila. The confrontation lasted nearly an hour as the Philippine military sought to resupply a small garrison of sailors on board the sunken Sierra Madre. This shoal, also known as Ayungin in the Philippines, has been the site of multiple similar stand-offs in recent months. It is located about 200 kilometers from the western Philippine island of Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometers from China’s southern Hainan island.
A video clip released by the military showed the China Coast Guard vessel crossing the bow of the Philippine supply boat Unaizah May 4 and unleashing its water cannon, causing heavy damages. The Philippine Coast Guard later provided assistance to the damaged boat. The Chinese Coast Guard claimed that the Philippine convoy forcibly intruded into the area despite warnings, prompting their actions.
The South China Sea is a hotly contested area with China claiming almost the entire sea, while the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan also claim parts of it. Tensions have been rising, leading to increased military ties between the Philippines and the United States. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently visited the Philippines, reaffirming US commitment to Manila.
Shortly after Blinken’s visit, the Chinese coastguard attempted to drive away Filipino scientists near Scarborough Shoal. This incident followed an earlier water cannon attack on the Unaizah May 4, which had just returned to sea for a resupply mission. The Philippine Coast Guard faced challenges as Chinese vessels impeded and encircled them, violating international regulations for preventing collisions at sea. The troops stationed on the sunken Sierra Madre rely on frequent resupplies for sustenance.