China fires water cannons at Philippine ships in South China Sea

Manila vessel hit while sailing to Scarborough Shoal amid joint drills with U.S.

One of the vessels in a Philippine supply mission is attacked with a water cannon by a China Coast Guard vessel on April 30 in the South China Sea. (Photo by Ramon Royandoyan)

RAMON ROYANDOYAN, Nikkei staff writer

April 30, 2024 13:28 JST

Updated on April 30, 2024 17:26 JST

WEST PHILIPPINE SEA -- Tensions flared in the South China Sea on Tuesday as Beijing disrupted a humanitarian mission by Manila.

Beijing's maritime presence, led by four China Coast Guard vessels, shot water cannons toward Philippine vessels. An official from the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said the water cannons were shot eight times during the morning standoff.