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2h ago

Philippines Says China Coast Guard Rammed, Blasted Vessel Near Thitu Island

Beijing rejects the accusation as an illegal incursion, deepening a pattern of confrontations in the contested waterway.

This handout photo taken and released on October 12, 2025 by the Philippine Coast Guard shows a China Coast Guard ship (R) deploying water cannon as a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries vessel (L) is seen alongside during an incident near Thitu island in disputed waters of the South China Sea
An aerial view shows the Philippine-occupied Thitu Island, locally known as Pag-asa, in the contested Spratly Islands, South China Sea, March 9, 2023. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez
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Overview

  • The Philippine Coast Guard reported that a China Coast Guard ship fired a water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya and then struck its stern near Thitu (Pag-asa) Island, causing minor damage with no injuries.
  • Video released by the Philippine side shows a Chinese vessel using a water cannon and making contact with the Filipino fisheries-protection ship.
  • China’s coast guard said Philippine vessels illegally entered waters near Sandy Cay, ignored warnings, and bore full responsibility, asserting it took lawful control measures and expelled them.
  • Philippine officials said three government vessels were anchored to safeguard local fishermen and vowed to continue operations despite what they called bullying tactics.
  • The clash follows a series of recent run-ins in the South China Sea, where China asserts expansive claims rejected by a 2016 arbitration ruling that backs the Philippines.