China's coast guard allegedly used water cannons and acoustic blasts against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea
The incident occurred near the Scarborough Shoal, a territory claimed by both countries
The U.S. has warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines if it comes under an armed attack
The Philippines has accused China's coast guard of aggressive actions in the South China Sea, alleging the use of water cannons and acoustic blasts during an encounter with Philippine vessels. The incident reportedly occurred during a regular resupply mission near the Scarborough Shoal, a territory claimed by both countries.
The Chinese ships allegedly blasted water cannons and used a long-range acoustic device, causing damage to communication and navigation equipment and temporary discomfort to Filipino crew members. The Philippines' task force for the South China Sea has called for China to cease its aggressive activities in the area.
The incident is the latest in a series of territorial disputes in the South China Sea, which have escalated tensions between the U.S. and China. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including parts claimed by other countries. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 ruled that China's claims had no legal basis.
The U.S. has warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines if it comes under an armed attack. The incident comes ahead of a planned Christmas convoy by the Philippines to distribute gifts and provisions to residents in the South China Sea. The Scarborough Shoal is located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, but China seized it in 2012.
The Philippine task force for the South China Sea stated that water cannons were used at least eight times. However, China claims control measures were taken against the vessels that intruded into waters near Scarborough Shoal.
The Chinese ships repeatedly blasted water cannons and used a long-range acoustic device that caused damage to communication and navigation equipment and temporary discomfort to Filipino crew members
The territorial disputes in the South China Sea have escalated tensions between the U.S. and China, with China claiming the entire waterway
The assault is the latest flare-up in the long-seething territorial disputes in the South China Sea, which has put the US and China on a collision course
The US has warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines if it comes under an armed attack
