Chinese coast guard rams Philippine vessel near Thitu island

A Chinese coast guard ship fired a powerful water cannon and rammed a Philippine government vessel on Sunday near Thitu island in the disputed South China Sea, the Philippine coast guard reported. The BRP Datu Pagbuaya, part of the fisheries fleet supporting Filipino fishermen, sustained minor damage but no crew injuries.

The incident occurred in waters off the Philippines-occupied Thitu island, known locally as Pag-asa, as part of ongoing territorial tensions involving Manila, Beijing, and other claimants. China accused the Philippine vessels of illegally entering what it calls Chinese waters near Sandy Cay and ignoring repeated warnings, claiming it acted to “drive them away in accordance with the law.”

The U.S. condemned China’s actions, describing them as violations of international law, and praised the Filipino crew for their “tremendous valor and skill.”

Philippine authorities said Pagbuaya and two other Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessels were anchored when Chinese coast guard and suspected militia ships approached and staged “dangerous and provocative maneuvers.” The Chinese ship with bow number 21559 fired water at Pagbuaya before ramming its stern, causing minor structural damage. Video released by the Philippine coast guard showed the water cannon hitting the vessel and its flags.

Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the incident strengthened the resolve of the Philippines, asserting they would not cede any territory to a foreign power.

China’s coast guard spokesperson Liu Dejun blamed the Philippines for the clash, claiming the vessels entered Chinese-claimed waters without permission and warned Manila to stop “infringement and harassment.”

Thitu is the largest of nine islands in the Spratlys archipelago occupied by the Philippines. The region is heavily contested, with China building artificial islands and military facilities, including Subi reef, just over 20 kilometers from Thitu.

The flare-up underscores the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, where overlapping claims, strategic trade routes, and military presence continue to provoke disputes between China, the Philippines, and other regional powers.