China Coast Guard fires water cannons at Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal

On 24 July 2026, China Coast Guard (CCG) ships used water cannons against Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels operating near Scarborough Shoal (also known as Huangyan Island or Bajo de Masinloc) in the South China Sea. CCG vessels 21581, 3107 and 3303 fired repeatedly, at times closing to within seven metres of the Philippine ship BRP Datu Paduhinog, temporarily disabling its satellite communications and creating a serious collision risk. The CCG also turned off its Automatic Identification System, contravening international navigation rules, and a Chinese maritime militia boat dragged a rope behind a Philippine vessel, further endangering navigation.

The incidents were part of a series of confrontations that week, including earlier water‑cannon attacks and a collision near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal that injured two Filipino servicemen. The Philippines protested, labeling the actions “dangerous manoeuvres” and urging a return to peaceful navigation. Chinese authorities said the measures were lawful enforcement against illegal activity. U.S. media crew from CNN were on board a Philippine vessel and filmed the exchange, and U.S. officials reiterated security commitments to the Philippines, underscoring the broader geopolitical stakes in the contested waterway.