Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannons at two Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal on Friday.
Why it matters: The clash adds to pressure in a key South China Sea flashpoint that affects regional security and trade. It also unfolded as ASEAN foreign ministers met in Manila, raising the diplomatic stakes.
- The incident happened Friday, July 24, near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.
- The Philippine Coast Guard said a Chinese ship came within about 7 meters of a Philippine fisheries vessel.
- It was the third China-Philippines confrontation in the South China Sea that week.
- China said it used "control measures" and accused Philippine vessels of operating illegally in the area.
Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannons at two Philippine government fisheries vessels on Friday near Scarborough Shoal, according to statements from both sides reported by AP.
The Philippine Coast Guard said one Chinese vessel came within about 7 meters of a Philippine fisheries ship, creating what it called a serious risk of collision. The encounter was the third China-Philippines confrontation in the South China Sea this week.
On July 20, Manila said a Filipino sailor was injured in a separate incident at Second Thomas Shoal, and on July 23 the two sides had another confrontation near Scarborough Shoal, according to AP.
China's coast guard said it used "control measures" and said Philippine vessels were operating illegally around Scarborough Shoal, which Beijing calls Huangyan Island. The latest clash came as ASEAN foreign ministers were meeting in Manila.
By the numbers
- 7 meters - The distance the Philippine Coast Guard said a Chinese ship came from one Philippine fisheries vessel.
- 3 - The number of China-Philippines South China Sea confrontations reported that week.
Yes, but: Damage and injuries from the latest incident have not been confirmed.