"The fishermen faced high-pressure spray from Chinese water cannon, and Chinese vessels attempted aggressive blocking manoeuvres, according to Manila. It was the latest in a series of confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships in the contested waters of the South China Sea, which Beijing claims nearly in its entirety despite an international ruling against the claim. Friday's incident took place in a fish-rich area about 150km (93 miles) from the Philippine island of Palawan."
"Two [Filipino fishing boats] also suffered significant damage from high-pressure water cannon blasts. During the incident, a Chinese boat also cut the anchor lines of several Filipino vessels, endangering their crews, according to the Philippine coastguard. The PCG calls on the Chinese coastguard to adhere to internationally recognised standards of conduct, prioritising the preservation of life at sea over pretensions of law enforcement that jeopardise the lives of innocent fishermen, it said in a separate statement."
Chinese coastguard vessels fired high-pressure water cannon and executed aggressive blocking manoeuvres near Sabina (Escoda) Shoal, within the Philippines' 200km Exclusive Economic Zone. Nearly two dozen Filipino fishing boats were affected about 150km from Palawan. Three Filipino fishermen sustained bruises and open wounds, and two fishing boats suffered significant damage. A Chinese vessel cut anchor lines of several Filipino vessels, endangering crews. The Philippine Coast Guard attempted to render assistance but says its deployed vessels were repeatedly blocked. The PCG demanded adherence to internationally recognised conduct and prioritisation of life at sea.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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