The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Saturday (December 13th) that Chinese Coast Guard ships used high-pressure water cannons near the disputed Sabina Shoal (known as Xianbin Reef in mainland China) in the South China Sea, causing injuries to three Filipino fishermen and “serious damage” to two fishing boats.
According to PCG, on Friday (December 12th), around 20 Filipino fishing boats in the area were subjected to water cannon attacks and obstruction by Chinese Coast Guard ships. Additionally, Chinese Coast Guard personnel aboard a small vessel intentionally cut the anchor chains of multiple Filipino fishing boats, “endangering the safety of the Philippine vessels and their crew in strong currents and huge waves.”
In a statement, PCG urged the Chinese Coast Guard to “adhere to internationally recognized codes of conduct,” prioritize maritime safety over so-called enforcement, and avoid endangering the lives of innocent fishermen under the guise of law enforcement.
Chinese Coast Guard spokesman Liu Dejun stated on Friday regarding the incident that Filipino fishing boats were causing trouble and provocation, prompting the Chinese side to take necessary control measures such as forcing them to leave.
PCG spokesman Jay Tarriela said on Saturday that the Chinese Coast Guard’s statement amounted to an admission of their wrongdoing, targeting ordinary fishermen and civilians and endangering the lives of Filipino fishermen.
“Chinese (Communist) Coast Guard is now targeting ordinary fishermen and civilians, endangering the lives of Filipino fishermen,” Tarriela said.
PCG rescue vessels sent to Sabina Shoal to assist injured fishermen were repeatedly blocked.
“Despite these unprofessional and unlawful interventions, PCG successfully reached the fishermen’s location this morning and provided emergency medical assistance and necessary supplies to the wounded,” PCG said in a statement released on Saturday.
Videos released by the Philippines showed Chinese Coast Guard ships aggressively attacking Filipino small fishing vessels with high-pressure water cannons.
China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea based on its “nine-dash line,” overlapping with the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia in some areas, sparking disputes. On July 12, 2016, the International Tribunal in The Hague ruled that China’s sovereignty claim over the South China Sea’s “nine-dash line” lacked legal basis. China, however, stated that it does not recognize the ruling.
Sabina Shoal is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, but China claims sovereignty over it.
The United States does not make sovereignty claims in the South China Sea, but has repeatedly warned that it has an obligation to defend the Philippines if Philippine military personnel (including those from the Coast Guard, navy ships, and aircraft) are attacked in disputed waters.
(This article is based on reports from Reuters.)