The Philippines accuses China of using water cannons before a demonstration at the climate protection conference – and a ceasefire in the Gaza war

Another incident has occurred between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. According to the government in Manila, the Chinese coast guard shot and rammed two Philippine supply ships with water cannons. One of the ships suffered serious engine damage and had to be towed back to shore, while the other had a broken mast. Beijing rejected the accusations.

According to Philippine information, the ships were on their way to supply soldiers near the Second Thomas Shoal. This is a reef about 200 kilometers west of the Philippine island of Palawan in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. The soldiers are waiting for a rotten warship, the “BRP Sierra Madre”, which ran aground there in 1999 and has since marked the Philippines’ claim to this area.

That’s what China says

The Chinese coast guard said the Philippine ships traveled there “illegally” and “without the permission of the Chinese government.” The coast guard subsequently took control measures. The responsibility lies solely with the Philippine side.

According to Manila, the Chinese coast guard had already fired water cannons at three Philippine Fisheries Authority ships further north on Saturday. China claims virtually the entire South China Sea as its own. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also claim territory there. (sda/dpa)