Politics ASIA, CHINA, CHINA COAST GUARD, COAST GUARD, COASTGUARD, HIGH-LEVEL DIALOGUE, LIU, LIU DEJUN, MARITIME SECURITY, MEXICO, NORTH AMERICA, PHILIPPINE, PHILIPPINES, ROYAL CAPTAIN SHOALS, SOUTH CHINA SEA, TERRITORIAL DISPUTE, TERRITORIAL DISPUTES Nia Simpson June 20, 2025 0 Comments

China Coast Guard Uses Water Cannon to Expel Philippines from Disputed Shoal

The China Coast Guard employed water cannons to drive away a Philippine vessel from Scarborough Shoal, highlighting rising tensions in the South China Sea. The Chinese coastguard claimed the vessel had repeatedly intruded into their waters, while Manila has yet to respond. This incident follows other recent confrontations in the area, underscoring ongoing disputes over sovereignty and regional stability.

In a significant escalation of maritime tensions, the China Coast Guard reportedly used water cannons to drive away a Philippine vessel from Scarborough Shoal on Friday. The vessel, identified as Philippine vessel 3006, was alleged to have repeatedly intruded into what China asserts are its territorial waters. The Chinese coastguard made it clear that the vessel ignored multiple warnings prior to the use of force.

Liu Dejun, a spokesman for the China Coast Guard, indicated in a statement that their actions were standard protocol under their enforcement measures. This included not just warnings but also close monitoring and ultimately the deployment of water cannons to expel the Philippine ship from the area. Liu further emphasized that the actions taken were in compliance with China’s Coast Guard Law and were described as “professional, lawful and justified.”

The Philippine government has yet to issue a statement addressing the incident at Scarborough Shoal or responding to Liu’s comments. This incident is part of ongoing maritime disputes in the South China Sea, which also saw similar confrontations near Half Moon and Royal Captain shoals just a day prior. In that earlier incident, China had accused the Philippines of operating illegally within disputed waters.

Liu’s comments carried a strong tone, asserting that Philippine government vessels had taken provocative actions under the guise of fishery protection. He accused them of infringing on China’s sovereign rights and undermining regional stability. The implication of these events underscores the fragile nature of Sino-Philippine relations, particularly in contested maritime regions.

As these incidents unfold, they highlight the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, an area rich in resources and strategic importance. The maritime confrontations indicate a need for both nations to engage in dialogue to avoid further escalation and to ensure peace in the contested waterways that are vital to both countries’ interests.

While both China and the Philippines maintain their positions on sovereignty, the situation is increasingly fraught. Both sides have been known to make strong statements regarding their claims and rights, complicating the prospect for resolution amid rising nationalist sentiments as seen in both nations. The absence of a cohesive response from Manila could signal a cautious stance as they navigate these increasingly tense waters.

This confrontation at Scarborough Shoal serves as yet another reminder of the complexities involved in the geopolitics of the South China Sea, with implications that may extend beyond immediate territorial disputes to affect broader regional dynamics.

The use of water cannons by the China Coast Guard to expel a Philippine vessel from Scarborough Shoal marks a notable escalation in ongoing maritime tensions between the two nations. China’s claims over the disputed waters were reiterated through strong statements from their officials, while no immediate response has been issued from Manila. The incident follows other recent confrontations, underlining the fragile nature of the region’s geopolitical climate. Dialogue seems imperative to preventing further disputes and maintaining stability in the South China Sea.

Original Source: www.scmp.com