US condemns China Coast Guard’s water cannon attack on PH vessels

The incident occurred on June 20 within the country’s EEZ in the South China Sea, where BFAR Region 6 (Western Visayas) vessels were delivering support to traditional fishing communities. (Pexels Photo)

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The United States (US) on Monday expressed concern over China Coast Guard’s (CCG) action against vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) near Bajo de Masinloc.

“The United States stands with the Philippines in upholding freedom of navigation and condemning the China Coast Guard’s dangerous actions that disrupted a lawful Philippine mission to provide supplies to fisherfolk within the Philippine EEZ (exclusive economic zone),” the US Embassy in Manila said in a statement.

The incident occurred on June 20 within the country’s EEZ in the South China Sea, where BFAR Region 6 (Western Visayas) vessels were delivering support to traditional fishing communities.

According to the National Maritime Council, the CCG’s attack was unprovoked and harmful –endangering civilian personnel and damaging equipment.

Under the Mutual Defense Treaty, the US reiterated its commitment to defending the Philippines.

It also underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

This latest development adds to growing international concern over China’s increasingly aggressive behavior in the South China Sea and the risk it poses to regional security and maritime safety.