Philippines lodges its 'strongest protest' against China over a water cannon assault in disputed sea
China and Philippines clash in the South China Sea, prompting international support for the Philippines against Chinese aggression.
- Bilawal Riaz
- 1 min read
The Philippines has strongly protested against China after a water cannon attack by the Chinese coast guard on a Filipino navy vessel in the South China Sea. China warned that relations are at a crossroads and urged the Philippines to choose a cautious path. The incident near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal is the latest in a series of confrontations between the two nations, raising fears of a larger conflict involving the US, which has pledged to defend the Philippines. Several countries, including the US, EU, Japan, and Australia, have expressed support for the Philippines. China defended its actions as protecting its sovereignty. Tensions have led to the Philippines summoning a Chinese diplomat and planning new steps to address China’s actions in the region. Various countries have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, with China rejecting a 2016 ruling against its expansive claims.