NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Growing International Concern Over China's Use Of Water Cannons Near Scarborough Shoal
PCG FILE
A recent encounter between the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal has triggered fresh concern from the international community, with several foreign missions in Manila urging for restraint and a peaceful resolution to tensions in the South China Sea.
On Friday, June 20, two Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels—BRP Datu Tamblot and BRP Datu Taradapit—were hit with water cannons by CCG ships while delivering supplies to Filipino fishers near Bajo de Masinloc, known internationally as Scarborough Shoal. The incident occurred roughly 15 to 18 nautical miles from the shoal—well within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The actions by China have drawn swift reactions from key diplomatic allies.
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, HK Yu, reiterated her country’s support for the 2016 Arbitral Award, which ruled in favor of the Philippines and invalidated China’s sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea.
“Australia shares the Philippines’ concerns at China Coast Guard’s use of water cannons against Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal,” Yu posted on X (formerly Twitter). “The Arbitral Award is binding on the parties, and disputes must be resolved peacefully, consistent with international law, especially UNCLOS.”
New Zealand’s Embassy in Manila echoed the sentiment, also taking to X to express unease over what it described as “dangerous manoeuvres” by the CCG. “We do not want to see safety put at risk like this,” the post read. “Once again, we call for the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes in accordance with UNCLOS.”
South Korea’s embassy also voiced concern, saying it supports peace, stability, and maritime safety in the region. “The Embassy… is concerned about the recent use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers against the Philippine vessels around the Scarborough Shoal,” it said in a statement.
Earlier this week, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada also issued separate statements emphasizing respect for international law and reiterating their calls for a rules-based order in maritime affairs.
The escalation comes amid efforts by the Philippines to maintain its presence and support its fisherfolk in contested waters. The BFAR deployed four ships to deliver fuel and supplies to Filipinos fishing near the disputed area, reinforcing Manila’s stance that Bajo de Masinloc lies within its EEZ.
While tensions in the South China Sea are not new, the consistent show of support from various countries underscores a growing consensus: any lasting solution must be grounded in international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and achieved through peaceful dialogue—not force.
On Friday, June 20, two Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels—BRP Datu Tamblot and BRP Datu Taradapit—were hit with water cannons by CCG ships while delivering supplies to Filipino fishers near Bajo de Masinloc, known internationally as Scarborough Shoal. The incident occurred roughly 15 to 18 nautical miles from the shoal—well within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The actions by China have drawn swift reactions from key diplomatic allies.
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, HK Yu, reiterated her country’s support for the 2016 Arbitral Award, which ruled in favor of the Philippines and invalidated China’s sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea.
“Australia shares the Philippines’ concerns at China Coast Guard’s use of water cannons against Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal,” Yu posted on X (formerly Twitter). “The Arbitral Award is binding on the parties, and disputes must be resolved peacefully, consistent with international law, especially UNCLOS.”
New Zealand’s Embassy in Manila echoed the sentiment, also taking to X to express unease over what it described as “dangerous manoeuvres” by the CCG. “We do not want to see safety put at risk like this,” the post read. “Once again, we call for the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes in accordance with UNCLOS.”
South Korea’s embassy also voiced concern, saying it supports peace, stability, and maritime safety in the region. “The Embassy… is concerned about the recent use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers against the Philippine vessels around the Scarborough Shoal,” it said in a statement.
Earlier this week, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada also issued separate statements emphasizing respect for international law and reiterating their calls for a rules-based order in maritime affairs.
The escalation comes amid efforts by the Philippines to maintain its presence and support its fisherfolk in contested waters. The BFAR deployed four ships to deliver fuel and supplies to Filipinos fishing near the disputed area, reinforcing Manila’s stance that Bajo de Masinloc lies within its EEZ.
While tensions in the South China Sea are not new, the consistent show of support from various countries underscores a growing consensus: any lasting solution must be grounded in international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and achieved through peaceful dialogue—not force.
Jun 25, 2025
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