MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannons at two Philippine patrol vessels Tuesday near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, causing minor damage to one vessel, in the latest flareup in an increasingly tense territorial conflict.
There were no immediate reports of injuries in the incident off Scarborough Shoal, one of two hotly disputed areas where confrontations between China and the Philippines have flared on and off since last year.
A Philippine coast guard ship and an accompanying fisheries vessel were patrolling the waters off Scarborough Shoal when four Chinese coast guard ships, backed by six suspected militia ships, executed dangerous blocking maneuvers, Philippine coast guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said.
A Chinese coast guard ship used a water cannon against the fisheries vessel, the BRP Bankaw, and two other Chinese coast guard ships hit the Philippine coast guard ship, the BRP Bagacay, simultaneously from both sides, damaging part of its deck railing and a canopy, Tarriela said.
Ecuador: Fire department honors five rescue dogs during retirement
Former Virginia hospital medical director acquitted of sexually abusing ex
Temporary farmworkers get more protections against retaliation and other abuses under new rule
Harvey Weinstein due back in court, while a key witness weighs whether to testify at a retrial
'IF' movie review: John Krasinski’s film hits a box office nerve with $35 million debut
Shocking moment father and son brawl with middle
Shota Imanaga continues impressive MLB start, raising record to 4
Coastal Carolina athletic director Hogue, ex
Australia's deputy prime minister pledges support to Solomon Islands during visit to Honiara
Silver economy sees more talent, infrastructure support
Serie A champion Inter facing a nervous wait as deadline passes for loan repayment to Oaktree
Former Virginia hospital medical director acquitted of sexually abusing ex