Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard reported a troubling escalation in the South China Sea on Friday, as three Filipino fishermen sustained injuries and two fishing vessels suffered significant damage following confrontations with Chinese coast guard ships near Sabina Shoal. The disputed maritime area, located roughly 150 kilometers west of Palawan, has long been a flashpoint between Manila and Beijing, each asserting overlapping claims over the resource-rich waters.
According to the Coast Guard, the incident unfolded as nearly two dozen Filipino fishing boats operated near Sabina Shoal, locally referred to as Escoda Shoal, while the Chinese side identifies it as Xianbin Reef. Filipino crews reported aggressive maneuvers by Chinese vessels, including high-pressure water cannon blasts and deliberate collisions that struck and damaged the Philippine boats. In one instance, a smaller Chinese coast guard vessel reportedly cut anchor lines, leaving fishermen vulnerable to drifting and further hazards at sea.
The Philippine authorities strongly condemned the actions, urging China to adhere to international maritime norms and prioritize the safety of civilian fishermen. Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela criticized China’s description of its conduct as mere “control measures,” interpreting it as an implicit acknowledgment of aggressive behavior toward unarmed fishing crews.
Rescue and relief operations were initially impeded by Chinese vessels attempting to block Philippine Coast Guard access. Nevertheless, Philippine teams eventually reached the injured fishermen, providing urgent medical assistance and essential supplies. The incident underscores the risks faced by local communities relying on these waters for their livelihoods.
China’s embassy in Manila did not provide immediate comment, though previous statements from the Chinese Coast Guard insisted that Philippine vessels had entered what Beijing considers its territorial waters, and that their response was a lawful enforcement measure. Manila, however, continues to reject China’s sweeping territorial claims, citing the 2016 international arbitral tribunal ruling that invalidated China’s extensive claims under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The latest confrontation reflects ongoing tensions in the strategic and economically vital South China Sea, a key maritime corridor through which over $3 trillion in annual trade passes. Despite international legal rulings and regional diplomatic efforts, incidents between Chinese maritime forces and Filipino fishers have persisted, highlighting the continuing fragility of peace and safety in contested waters.