philippines says ship
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Philippines says ship hit by Chinese water cannon …

The Philippines accused China’s coast guard of blasting a government vessel with a water cannon near Scarborough Shoal on Friday, marking the third confrontation between the two sides this week in the South China Sea.

The Philippine Coast Guard said the Chinese vessel came within seven metres of the BRP Datu Paduhinog, striking it with a water cannon that caused a temporary loss of satellite connectivity. Two other ships — the BRP Datu Cabaylo and BRP Cape San Agustin — were also targeted but not hit.

China’s coast guard confirmed it fired water cannon, saying it had taken “necessary measures” to drive the Philippine ships away. “We sternly warn the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringing and provocative actions,” spokesperson Jiang Lue said. Beijing’s foreign ministry added that Philippine vessels had “deliberately intruded first” and insisted its actions were “professional and standard.”

The clash came as Southeast Asian diplomats concluded a regional forum in Manila and as Rome hosted talks between Lebanon and Israel. Earlier this week, tensions flared at Second Thomas Shoal, where Manila accused Chinese sailors of clubbing a Filipino crew member, prompting condemnation from allies. On Thursday, the Philippines reported another water cannon incident at Scarborough.

Both countries have said they are working toward completing a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea by year’s end, but the repeated confrontations underscore the volatility of the disputed waters. Beijing claims most of the sea, including Scarborough Shoal, despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling that rejected its claims.

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