9 months ago
China Expels Philippine Vessels, Injures Fishermen
China and the Philippines are arguing over some small islands in the South China Sea.
China says it told Philippine boats to leave because they were in Chinese territory.
The Philippine coast guard says Chinese boats hurt three fishermen and damaged two boats with water cannons.
The Philippine coast guard also says Chinese boats cut the anchor lines of several Filipino boats, which was dangerous for the crews.
The Philippine coast guard had to help the injured fishermen and give them supplies.
A long time ago, a court said China can't claim so much of the sea, but China doesn't agree.
These islands are important because they are near where countries fish and ship things.
China even made one of these islands a nature park, which made the Philippines upset.
China expelled Philippine vessels and injured fishermen near Scarborough Shoal and Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea.
The Chinese coast guard used water cannons and blocking maneuvers against Filipino fishing boats, damaging two vessels and injuring three fishermen.
The Philippine coast guard condemned China's actions and provided medical aid to the injured fishermen.
China's coast guard admitted to driving away Philippine vessels and taking 'control measures'.
The 2016 arbitration ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration rejected China's claims in the region, a decision Beijing rejects.
- Who
- China and the Philippines
- What
- China expelled Philippine vessels and injured fishermen near disputed atolls in the South China Sea
- Where
- Scarborough Shoal and Sabina Shoal (Xianbin Reef/Escoda Shoal) in the South China Sea
- When
- Recent, with specific incidents on Friday
- Why
- China claims the areas as part of its territory and accuses the Philippines of provocation
Key facts
- Disputed Atolls
- Scarborough Shoal, Sabina Shoal (Xianbin Reef/Escoda Shoal)
- China's Claims
- Almost the entire South China Sea
- Philippines' Response
- Coast guard condemns actions, provides medical aid
- 2016 Arbitration Ruling
- Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled against China's claims
- China's Recent Action
- Approved national nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal in September
- Location of Sabina Shoal
- 150 km west of Philippine province of Palawan
- China's Actions
- Issued warnings, expelled Philippine aircraft and vessels, used water cannons, cut anchor lines
- Philippine Fishermen Injured
- Three fishermen wounded, two vessels damaged
Quotes
Commodore Jay Tarriela
Philippine coast guard spokesman
“The fishermen were targeted with water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers. Three fishermen sustained physical injuries, including bruises and open wounds. Two (Filipino fishing boats) also suffered significant damage from high-pressure water cannon blasts.”
wionews.com
China Coast Guard
Chinese coast guard
“We had taken necessary control measures against the Philippine vessels, including issuing warnings via loudspeaker and conducting external maneuvering to drive them away.”
wionews.com
Sources
China–Philippines tensions escalate as Filipino fishermen injured in Chinese water cannon attack - What's happening
Philippines says fishermen hurt, boats damaged by China in South China Sea
China says it expelled Philippine aircraft, vessels near disputed atolls
