US envoy condemns China's water cannon attack on Filipino research vessel

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, Washington's top diplomat to Manila condemned China's water cannon attack and sideswipe on a Filipino research vessel off Sandy Cay in the West Philippine Sea.

Ambassador MaryKay Carlson described the incident as reckless and unlawful, emphasizing that it endangered lives and threatened regional stability; US support was echoed by Japan, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan, and the Netherlands.

The BRP Datu Sanday sustained damage to its port bow and smokestack due to aggressive actions by Chinese vessels on May 21 while conducting routine marine scientific research near Pag-Asa Island.

Foreign missions expressed alarm over China's latest use of water cannons against civilian Filipino vessels; the Canadian Embassy strongly opposed 'coercive and intimidation activities' in the South China Sea.

The European Union Delegation, Dutch Ambassador, and Japanese Ambassador reiterated their commitment to upholding international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling on the South China Sea.

British Ambassador Laure Beaufils condemned dangerous activities risking lives and raising tensions, emphasizing respect for international law and the legally binding 2016 Arbitral Award.

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost 90 percent of the South China Sea, overlapping with areas claimed by the Philippines, leading to numerous confrontations in recent years.