Overview

• Philippine officials say a Chinese coast guard vessel used a water cannon on the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, then deliberately struck its stern near Thitu Island.
• Three Philippine government vessels were anchored to support a program protecting local fishermen when Chinese ships approached, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.
• Manila reports minor damage and no injuries and says operations to safeguard fishermen will continue.
• China’s coast guard asserts Philippine ships entered waters near Sandy Cay without permission, claims it acted lawfully to expel them, and blames the Philippines for the collision.
• The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to requests for comment as tensions in the South China Sea continue to build this year.