PH files diplomatic protest vs China after crew injured, boat damaged near Scarborough Shoal

The Philippines filed a diplomatic protest against China after the China Coast Guard's dangerous maneuvers and water cannon attacks injured a Filipino crew member and damaged the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang.

The incident occurred on September 16 near Scarborough Shoal while the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel was on a humanitarian mission to deliver supplies to Filipino fishermen.

China's Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels reportedly used a powerful water cannon on the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang, causing structural and electrical damage.

A Chinese warship also announced a live-fire exercise in the same vicinity on the same day, escalating tensions.

These actions are part of China's ongoing gray-zone operations, aimed at intimidating and asserting control in Philippine waters.

The DFA condemned the 'illegal and hostile actions' of the Chinese vessels.

The United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and European Union nations have also condemned China's recent aggressive actions against the Philippines.