- Taiwan says it is determined to defend itself as China vows to boost combat readiness
- China protests US CIA's open recruitment of spies
- China hosts Russian and Iranian defense ministers amid heightened international tensions
- China Slams CIA Social Media Recruitment Campaign as "Absurd"
- A Complex and Ongoing Threat".. Britain Exposes Chinese Spy Network
- China continues the crime of erasing Uyghur neighborhoods in East Turkistan
- The European Union has developed a new plan against China's monopoly
- Chinese companies entering the market in East Turkistan are increasing
- China monopolizes, and Europe responds: The battle for rare earth minerals ignites
- Urumqi and Samarkand established 'sister city' relations
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.