"#MANILA, #Philippines — Senators condemned on Sunday the Chinese Coast Guard’s (#CCG) harassment against the Philippine Coast Guard (#PCG) and military supply ship bound for #AyunginShoal.

In separate statements, senators aired their frustration on CCG’s use of water cannon against PCG vessels delivering supplies to military troops stationed on #BRPSierraMadre in Ayungin Shoal." #SouthChinaSea

Senators condemn China’s water cannon attack in #WPS: ‘Bullying must stop’
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/217339/senators-condemn-chinas-water-cannon-attack-in-wps-bullying-must-stop?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=gallery

"Video from the #Philippines showed a large Chinese Coast Guard ship spraying a much smaller Philippine boat that was attempting to deliver supplies to a garrison of Philippine marines on #SecondThomasShoal...Images from the #PhilippineCoastGuard (PCG) also showed the Chinese ship moving dangerously close in front of the PCG vessels as they escorted the resupply boats" #SouthChinaSea

International backlash grows after Chinese vessel fires water cannon on Philippine boats https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/07/asia/china-philippines-coast-guard-confrontation-south-china-sea-intl-hnk/index.html

The day prior, #China called on the #Philippines to remove the #BRPSierraMadre. In response, National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya told reporters in Manila: “We will not abandon #AyunginShoal. We are committed to the Ayungin Shoal.” #SouthChinaSea #SecondThomasShoal

Philippines doubles down on Ayungin after China claims ‘illegal’ activities
https://www.rappler.com/nation/dfa-doubles-down-ayungin-shoal-after-china-claim-illegal-activities-august-2023/

"Global concern about #China’s naval activities is growing as the country expands and modernises its military, and shows increasing aggression in its claims over the #SouthChinaSea and #Taiwan.

Joint drills with #Russia – during which a flotilla sailed near #Alaska this weekend – have also heightened concern over military coordination between #Beijing and #Moscow." #SouthChinaSea

China-Philippines dispute could escalate into superpower conflict, say analysts
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/08/china-philippines-dispute-could-escalate-into-superpower-conflict-say-analysts