Philippines and China Clash Over Scarborough Shoal Incident

Tensions rise as Chinese coast guard uses water cannons against Philippine vessels in disputed South China Sea territory.

The Philippines accused China's coast guard of firing water cannons at its ships near the Scarborough Shoal, a contested area in the South China Sea.
China claims the Philippine vessels intruded into its waters, prompting what it calls 'control measures' to assert its jurisdiction.
The Scarborough Shoal is a traditional fishing ground within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, but China asserts historical rights over the area.
The incident adds to ongoing tensions between the two nations, with the Philippines under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. taking a firmer stance against China's claims.
The latest confrontation occurs as ASEAN leaders meet in Laos, where the South China Sea dispute is expected to be a significant topic of discussion.