US Condemns China's Water Cannon Attack on Philippine Research Vessel

INCIDENT OVERVIEW

The China Coast Guard attacked a Philippine research vessel with water cannons near Sandy Cay in the West Philippine Sea, marking the first such assault on a Filipino fisheries research ship in the area. The BRP Datu Sanday sustained damage to its port bow and smokestack during the encounter.

US RESPONSE

US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson strongly condemned the incident, calling China's actions "reckless and unlawful." She stated that the aggressive behaviour against a legitimate civilian mission endangered lives and threatened regional stability, while reaffirming US support for its Philippine allies and international law.

MISSION DETAILS

The Philippine vessel was conducting routine marine scientific research, collecting sand samples around Pag-asa Cay (Manila's name for Sandy Cay) near Philippine-occupied Pag-asa Island. Despite the Chinese interference and dangerous manoeuvres, the Filipino scientific team completed operations at three separate locations.

BROADER CONTEXT

This incident represents another escalation in ongoing South China Sea disputes, where China claims nearly 90% of the waters despite overlapping territorial claims from the Philippines and other Asian nations. The confrontation highlights the resource-rich region's strategic importance as a major global trade route.

The US has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines, which obligates both nations to defend each other against armed attacks. While not directly involved in territorial disputes, Washington maintains that keeping the South China Sea open is vital to US national interests.