Overview
- Philippine authorities report three fishermen injured and two boats damaged after China Coast Guard water cannon blasts and blocking maneuvers near Sabina Shoal.
- About 20 Filipino fishing boats were involved on Friday at a location roughly 150 km west of Palawan that Manila says lies within its exclusive economic zone.
- The Philippine Coast Guard says smaller Chinese boats cut several anchor lines, sending vessels adrift and endangering crews in rough conditions.
- PCG patrols were repeatedly impeded en route but later reached the flotilla and provided medical care and supplies to the injured fishermen.
- Beijing says its forces took necessary control measures near Sabina and separately claims to have warned off a Philippine aircraft over Scarborough Shoal, as tensions persist despite a 2016 ruling rejecting China’s sweeping claims and U.S. reminders of treaty coverage for Philippine public vessels and aircraft.