South China Sea: Philippines accuses Beijing of damaging supply vessel with water cannon

The Philippine military said the nearly hour-long attack occurred off Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese ships have unleashed water cannon and collided with Filipino vessels in similar stand-offs in recent months.

The military released video clips that showed a white ship repeatedly dousing another vessel sailing alongside it with a water cannon. One clip showed two white ships simultaneously firing water at the same vessel.

It also released another clip showing a white ship marked “China coastguard” crossing the bow of a grey vessel it identified as the Philippine supply boat Unaizah May 4.

It said the videos were taken on Saturday morning while the Unaizah May 4 was on its way to Ayungin Shoal – the Filipino name for the outcrop garrisoned by a small unit of Philippine troops that is also claimed by Beijing.

“The UM4 supply boat sustained heavy damages at around 08:52 (am) due to the continued blasting of water cannons from the CCG vessels,” the military said in a statement, without describing the nature of the damage or whether there were any casualties.

A Philippine coastguard escort vessel later reached the damaged boat “to provide assistance”, the military said.

China coastguard spokesman Gan Yu said in a statement that the Philippine convoy “forcibly intruded into the area despite the Chinese side’s repeated warnings and route controls”, adding the Chinese carried out “control, obstruction and eviction in accordance with law”.

“We sternly warn the Philippine side: those who play with fire will bring shame on themselves. The Chinese coastguard is ready at all times to resolutely safeguard our country’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Gan added.

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