Tensions between the Philippines and China escalated on Friday, July 24, 2026, after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) accused the China Coast Guard of using water cannons against Philippine government vessels near the Scarborough Shoal, a disputed area within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.

The PCG reported that 12 China Coast Guard vessels and three Chinese maritime militia vessels were involved in the incident. A Chinese vessel reportedly came within about seven meters (23 feet) of a Philippine fisheries boat, creating a "serious risk of collision." Water cannons hit two Philippine ships, while two others had to perform dangerous maneuvers to avoid collisions.

Spokesperson Jay Tarriela of the PCG strongly condemned the actions, calling them "dangerous and unprofessional."

Earlier on the same day, the China Coast Guard stated it had imposed "control measures" on several Philippine vessels it claimed were operating illegally in waters around the shoal.

These incidents at Scarborough Shoal follow a confrontation on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, located approximately 650 kilometers (400 miles) away, where Manila reported a Filipino sailor was injured after being struck with a baton by Chinese coastguard personnel.

The Scarborough Shoal remains one of the most contested areas in the South China Sea, with ongoing disputes between the two nations.

Sources