Australia, EU, US condemn China's water cannon attack on Philippine vessel

Australia, the European Union, and the United States have condemned China's aggressive actions against Philippine government vessels near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported that Chinese coast guard ships used water cannons against the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang, causing significant damage and injuring one crew member while on a supply mission.

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson commended the Philippine government and Coast Guard for exercising sovereign rights.

China alleged that Philippine vessels intruded into the shoal, which it refers to as Huangyan Island.

A Filipino civic group leader cited evidence of environmental damage and reef destruction caused by Chinese activities since 2016.

Meanwhile, a Chinese lawyer believes that the Philippines and China will remain friends despite the ongoing territorial dispute.

The lawyer also stressed China's military strength and stated that China will not fire the first shot but will not allow the United States to launch a war.

The Chairman of the Association for Philippines-China Understanding highlighted China's initiatives that inject stability into global affairs.