China Coast Guard Fires Water Cannon at Philippine Vessels Near Scarborough Shoal

On July 23‑24, 2026, China’s Coast Guard used water‑cannon fire against Philippine government vessels operating near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The incidents marked the third confrontation between the two sides in a week and the second day of water‑cannon use, with Chinese ships approaching as close as seven metres and scoring an indirect hit on a Philippine fisheries vessel. No injuries were reported, but the Philippine Coast Guard condemned the actions as “dangerous and unprofessional,” citing violations of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the risk of collision.

China defended the measures as lawful “control actions” against vessels it said were operating illegally in its claimed waters, noting that the coast‑guard ships also conducted tracking, monitoring and interception. The dispute follows a Monday clash at the Second Thomas Shoal where a Filipino sailor was injured. Both governments summoned each other’s ambassadors. The incidents occurred as ASEAN foreign‑minister meetings were held in Manila, attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who described Beijing’s conduct as “disturbing.” Scarborough Shoal, also known as Huangyan Island, remains contested; a 2016 arbitration ruling favored the Philippines, a decision China continues to reject.