MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannons at two Philippine patrol vessels Tuesday near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, causing minor damage to one vessel, in the latest flareup in an increasingly tense territorial conflict.
There were no immediate reports of injuries in the incident off Scarborough Shoal, one of two hotly disputed areas where confrontations between China and the Philippines have flared on and off since last year.
A Philippine coast guard ship and an accompanying fisheries vessel were patrolling the waters off Scarborough Shoal when four Chinese coast guard ships, backed by six suspected militia ships, executed dangerous blocking maneuvers, Philippine coast guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said.
A Chinese coast guard ship used a water cannon against the fisheries vessel, the BRP Bankaw, and two other Chinese coast guard ships hit the Philippine coast guard ship, the BRP Bagacay, simultaneously from both sides, damaging part of its deck railing and a canopy, Tarriela said.
Trump film shocks Cannes as former US President is depicted 'raping' his then
The real cost of your night out: From a £4.60 Diet Coke to £8.80
AP Week in Pictures: North America
Pictured: Writer, poet and anti
The fightback begins: Boss of London's Queen Mary University tells pro
AP Week in Pictures: Latin America and Caribbean
Funeral set for Roger Fortson, the Black US Air Force member killed in his home by Florida deputy
Ricky Stenhouse punching Kyle Busch could lead to suspension
Senior teacher at William and Harry's £27,000
Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. to lead Indianapolis 500 field in Corvette pace car
SAS legend Chris Ryan warns Britain needs a bigger 'professional Army