(CNN) — Tensions escalated in the South China Sea on Tuesday as the Chinese Coast Guard fired water cannons that damaged a Philippine ship near Scarborough Shoal, Philippine authorities reported.
The incident occurred as Philippine Coast Guard vessels were conducting a patrol near the rock outcrop, which is controlled by China but lies within the exclusive economic zone of Manila, 200 kilometers west of Luzon. Video footage released by the Philippine Coast Guard showed two larger Chinese vessels firing water cannons at the Philippine ship.
According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine vessels encountered dangerous maneuvers by Chinese Coast Guard and Maritime Militia vessels during the incident. The Philippine ship sustained damage to its railing and deck, but no injuries were reported.
China’s Coast Guard claimed that the Philippine ships were expelled for “invading” Chinese waters, in accordance with the law. Beijing’s claims over the South China Sea conflict with international court rulings, leading to ongoing disputes over the ownership of various islands and reefs in the region.
Scarborough Shoal, also known as Huangyan Island, has been a focal point of tensions between China and the Philippines. China has maintained a continuous coast guard presence around the area since 2012, and recently reinstalled a floating barrier that restricts access to the sandbar, according to Philippine reports.
The clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels have intensified in recent months, raising concerns about the potential for a broader conflict. The Philippines, which has a mutual defense treaty with the United States, has called on Washington for support in the disputed waters.
The ongoing disputes in the South China Sea highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region and the challenges of resolving territorial conflicts peacefully.