Philippines says China’s coast guard fired water cannons and sideswiped its patrol vessel

Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine officials say Chinese coast guard vessels backed by navy ships have fired powerful water cannons and blocked and sideswiped a Philippine patrol vessel at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. They say three Philippine coast guard and bureau of fisheries vessels were on routine patrol to protect Filipino fishermen at the Scarborough Shoal when several Chinese coast guard and navy ships approached and staged “aggressive actions” early Wednesday. Chinese officials did not immediately comment. In the past, they have cited claims of Chinese sovereignty in the contested region and their determination to defend what they say is their territory.