Tensions Flare in South China Sea Following China’s Use of Water Cannon Against Unarmed Philippine Navy Supply Boat

In this handout photo taken on June 30, 2023 and received from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on July 5, a Chinese Coast Guard ship (R) allegedly blocks Philippine Coast Guard patrol ship Malabrigo, as it escorts a Philippine Navy re-supply mission near Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China sea. Handout / Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) / AFP

The Philippine military condemned the Chinese Coast Guard’s use of a water cannon against a much smaller unarmed supply boat that took place in disputed waters in the South China Sea on Saturday.

The use of a cannon to block the boat was “excessive and offensive,” according to military officials in Manila on Sunday. 

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by Eric Olander

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