China Coast Guard fires water cannons at BFAR vessel, US, EU, UK condemn actions

China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel CCG 3302 fired water cannons twice and intentionally sideswiped the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel BRP Datu Pagbuaya near Bajo de Masinloc on December 4.

Following these incidents, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels encountered aggressive actions from People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels and other CCG vessels.

The US government condemned China's actions on Wednesday, calling the harassment of Philippine vessels "unlawful" and affirming US support for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The European Union issued a statement on the same day, expressing deep concern over China's aggressive actions against government vessels near Scarborough Shoal and Sabina Shoal, stating such behavior contravenes the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Japan's ambassador to the Philippines also expressed serious concern about the dangerous actions, stressing that the use of water cannons and obstructive maneuvers undermine ship and crew safety.

British Ambassador Laure Beaufils also expressed disapproval, stating that China's actions raise tensions and the risk of miscalculation, and urged adherence to international law.