China Coast Guard Continues Water Cannon Attacks on Philippine Ships in Disputed Sea

China's coast guard used water cannon against Philippine boats in the South China Sea, just days after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated Washington’s commitment to defending Philippine access to the area. The skirmish occurred near the contested Second Thomas Shoal, with the Philippine vessels being impeded and encircled by Chinese maritime forces. This incident is the latest in a series of clashes between the two countries in the disputed region, where China claims sovereignty.