MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannons at two Philippine patrol vessels Tuesday near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, causing minor damage to one vessel, in the latest flareup in an increasingly tense territorial conflict.
There were no immediate reports of injuries in the incident off Scarborough Shoal, one of two hotly disputed areas where confrontations between China and the Philippines have flared on and off since last year.
A Philippine coast guard ship and an accompanying fisheries vessel were patrolling the waters off Scarborough Shoal when four Chinese coast guard ships, backed by six suspected militia ships, executed dangerous blocking maneuvers, Philippine coast guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said.
A Chinese coast guard ship used a water cannon against the fisheries vessel, the BRP Bankaw, and two other Chinese coast guard ships hit the Philippine coast guard ship, the BRP Bagacay, simultaneously from both sides, damaging part of its deck railing and a canopy, Tarriela said.
Josh Pearson's three RBIs help LSU knock sixth
Indonesia school bus crash kills at least 11, dozens injured
This young royal is blazing a trail thanks to an impeccable sense of style
Belarus celebrates 79th anniversary of Victory Day
Politically motivated crimes in Germany reached their highest level in 2023 since tracking began
Brighton dents Newcastle's European hopes by securing EPL draw
Musa has goal, assist to propel Dallas to 2
Bell's RBI single in 10th lifts Marlins to 3
Highlights of China's May Day holiday tell consumption vitality
NFL's accelerator program gives minority coaches optimism that new system works
Kevin Kelsey scores first MLS goal to help Cincinnati beat Crew 2