Philippines accuses China of using water cannon on vessels for second day

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing DPA and Reuters, reported that the Philippine Coast Guard accused China’s coastguard of using a water cannon against Philippine government vessels near Scarborough Shoal on Friday, July 24, 2026, the second such incident in two days. The PCG said one Chinese vessel came within about seven metres of a Philippine fisheries boat, which it described as creating a serious collision danger.

According to the report, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela condemned what he called dangerous and unprofessional conduct. The PCG said 12 China Coast Guard ships and three Chinese maritime militia vessels were involved, with water cannon striking two Philippine vessels and two others forced into risky manoeuvres. The Philippine vessels were reportedly delivering fuel subsidies to Filipino fishermen and carrying out routine patrols around Scarborough Shoal, known in the Philippines as Bajo de Masinloc.

China gave a different account. Al Jazeera reported that the China Coast Guard said it had taken “control measures” against Philippine vessels it said were operating illegally near the shoal, including warnings, blocking actions and water cannon use. China’s Foreign Ministry said the coastguard’s actions were lawful and accused Manila of provocation.

The confrontation adds to a series of recent disputes in the South China Sea, including an incident earlier in the week at Second Thomas Shoal, where Manila said a Filipino sailor was injured. Scarborough Shoal is among the most sensitive flashpoints in the contested waterway, where China claims broad sovereignty and several Southeast Asian states, including the Philippines, have overlapping maritime claims.