Philippines and China Clash Over Scarborough Shoal in South China Sea

Tensions escalate as Chinese coast guard uses water cannons and sideswipes Philippine vessels during disputed maritime patrol.

The Philippines accused China's coast guard of firing water cannons and intentionally sideswiping a Philippine patrol vessel near the contested Scarborough Shoal.
China claims the Philippine ships entered its territorial waters, while the Philippines asserts the area is within its exclusive economic zone under international law.
The Scarborough Shoal has been a flashpoint in the South China Sea dispute since China seized control in 2012, with frequent clashes reported in recent years.
The incident follows heightened tensions after the Philippines passed laws defining its maritime boundaries and increased security cooperation with the United States.
China has also been accused of deploying research vessels and military assets to bolster its territorial claims, which were invalidated by a 2016 international tribunal ruling.