By MANILA/BEIJING, Oct. 12 (AfrikTimes) — The Philippines and China traded accusations on Sunday over a maritime confrontation near disputed islands in the South China Sea, further escalating tensions in the resource-rich and strategically vital waterway.
The Philippines alleged that Chinese maritime forces used water cannon and rammed a Filipino vessel near Thitu Island, locally known as Pag-asa Island, describing the actions as a “clear threat,” its coast guard said in a statement.
According to Manila’s coast guard, three vessels were anchored near the island early on Sunday as part of a government program to protect local fishermen when Chinese ships reportedly approached and used water cannon to intimidate them.
About an hour later, a Chinese coast guard ship allegedly fired its water cannon directly at a Philippine vessel before ramming its stern, causing minor damage but no injuries, the coast guard said.
A China Coast Guard vessel 21559 uses a water cannon against Philippines Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ship BRP Datu Pagbuaya in the South China Sea, in this handout image released by the Philippine Coast Guard on October 12, 2025. Philippine Coast Guard Handout.
China’s coast guard countered that two Philippine government vessels “illegally entered” waters near Sandy Cay, a coral reef in the northern Thitu Reefs within the Spratly Islands, leading to a collision. Beijing said a Philippine ship “dangerously approached” a Chinese coast guard vessel, holding Manila responsible for the incident.
Philippine authorities vowed to continue operations in the area, emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen.
The disputed area, part of the Spratly Islands, has been the site of repeated confrontations between the two nations over the years. Tensions have heightened recently, particularly over the Scarborough Shoal and other contested regions in the South China Sea, which China claims almost entirely.
Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam also assert claims over portions of the waterway, a strategic trade route that facilitates over $3 trillion in annual ship-borne commerce.
