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2h ago

Philippines Says Chinese Coast Guard Rammed Vessel Near Thitu Island After Water Cannon Blast

The coast guard frames the patrols as vital to safeguarding fishermen's livelihoods.

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
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
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Overview

  • The Philippines Coast Guard reported that a China Coast Guard ship fired a water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya and then rammed its stern, causing minor damage but no injuries.
  • Officials said three Philippine government vessels were anchored off Thitu, locally known as Pag-asa, as part of a program supporting local fishermen when Chinese ships approached.
  • Video released by Philippine authorities shows a Chinese vessel blasting water that struck the ship and its flags before the Philippine crew maneuvered away.
  • Manila’s coast guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said they will continue operations near Thitu to protect access for Filipino fishing communities.
  • China’s embassy in Manila did not immediately comment, as tensions have intensified this year over contested waters in the South China Sea, which multiple countries claim.