China says it took 'control measures' against Philippine ships in disputed atoll

The China Coast Guard (CCG) stated on Friday that it employed "control measures" against Philippine vessels engaged in "illegal activities" near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. This action escalates recent tensions between Beijing and Manila in the disputed waters. The CCG asserted that its actions were in accordance with the law, targeting vessels operating in waters under Chinese jurisdiction.

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On July 24, the China Coast Guard adopted, in accordance with the law, control measures against several Philippine vessels that were carrying out illegal activities in waters under Chinese jurisdiction of Huangyan Island.

This latest incident occurred just a day after the CCG announced it had expelled two Philippine official vessels from the vicinity of the shoal, known as Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines and Huangyan Island in China. The CCG's statement provided few specific details about the encounter.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that Chinese coast guards used high-pressure water cannons against two of their boats. Manila condemned these actions, stating they "endangered Filipino personnel" during what they described as a purely humanitarian mission. This accusation came shortly after a separate incident near the Second Thomas Shoal, where both countries exchanged allegations of aggressive behavior.

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endangered Filipino personnel during what was a purely humanitarian mission.

The maritime disputes have intensified this week, with the Philippines accusing Chinese personnel of violently assaulting a Filipino military member near the Second Thomas Shoal. China, in turn, accused Philippine vessels of ramming a Chinese patrol boat and attacking its agents. Philippine Foreign Minister Theresa Lazaro formally protested China's actions to her counterpart, Wang Yi, during a meeting on the sidelines of ASEAN events.

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energetic protest