China Coast Guard Uses Water Cannons Against Philippine Vessels

The China Coast Guard deployed water cannons and conducted dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels near Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, on July 24, 2026. The confrontation targeted ships from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources that were executing the Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda program to deliver fuel subsidies and provisions to Filipino fishers.

Specifically, the BRP Cape San Agustin, BRP Datu Paduhinog, and BRP Datu Cabaylo were hit by water cannons. Simultaneously, the BRP Datu Sumakwel encountered a Chinese maritime militia vessel that dragged a rope behind it. This incident represents the third confrontation in these disputed waters within a single week, occurring shortly after the Quad Foreign Ministers met in Manila to reaffirm a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The Philippine Coast Guard condemned the actions as dangerous and unprofessional. Conversely, the China Coast Guard claimed the Philippine vessels were operating illegally and asserted that it applied necessary control measures.