Chinese Vessels Fire Water Cannons at Philippine Fishing Boats

MANILA, Philippines -- Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels fired water cannons and conducted dangerous blocking maneuvers against approximately 20 Philippine fishing boats near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea on Friday, injuring three Filipino fishermen and damaging two of the vessels, the Philippine Coast Guard reported Saturday.

The incident occurred in waters the Philippines considers part of its exclusive economic zone, about 140 kilometers west of Palawan province. Known as Escoda Shoal by Manila and Xianbin Reef by Beijing, the area lies within a long-disputed region claimed by multiple nations. The fishing boats were operating lawfully in the vicinity when they encountered the Chinese ships, according to a Philippine Coast Guard statement.

High-pressure water cannon blasts caused open wounds and bruises to the three injured fishermen, the coast guard said. Smaller rigid-hull inflatable boats operated by Chinese personnel then deliberately severed the anchor lines of several Philippine vessels, stranding them amid strong currents and rough seas that heightened the risk to crews. Two of the targeted boats sustained significant structural damage.