Embassies condemn China’s aggressive acts near Bajo de Masinloc

Several embassies and international organizations have expressed concern over recent aggressive acts by Chinese vessels near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) on Wednesday, December 4.

The United States Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, condemned China's use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers that disrupted a Philippine maritime operation and put lives at risk.

Japan, Britain, South Korea, along with the European Union, also voiced their concerns over these actions, emphasizing that they violate international law and threaten regional stability.

Chinese Coast Guard vessels launched water cannon attacks and performed aggressive maneuvers near Bajo de Masinloc and Escoda Shoal (Sabina), causing significant damage to Philippine vessels and disrupting fishing activities for Filipino fishers.

China defended its actions as 'lawful, professional, and restrained,' while the Philippines maintains it was operating within its legal rights based on the 2016 ruling that nullified Beijing's claim of historic rights to nearly the entire South China Sea.