A new confrontation erupted in the South China Sea on Sunday as a Chinese coast guard ship used a water cannon and then deliberately rammed a Philippine government vessel anchored near Thitu Island. It was the latest in a string of aggressive encounters in the disputed waters, intensifying tensions between Beijing and Manila.
The Incident at Thitu Island
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the government vessel BRP Datu Pagbuaya, part of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, was anchored off Thitu Island—known locally as Pag-asa—when it came under attack. At approximately 9:15 a.m., a Chinese coast guard ship fired a powerful water cannon directly at the Pagbuaya, hitting its hull and two Philippine flags flying from the stern. Only minutes later, the same Chinese vessel rammed the stern of the anchored Philippine ship, causing structural damage but no injuries among the crew.
Video released by Manila shows the Chinese ship closing in, spraying torrents of water, and colliding with the smaller Philippine vessel. The Filipino crew can be seen maneuvering defensively as the Chinese ship looms dangerously close. Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, condemned the attack as “bullying,” adding that such “dangerous and provocative maneuvers” would not force Manila to back down. “Despite these bullying tactics and aggressive actions, we will not be intimidated or driven away,” he said.
Competing Narratives and Beijing’s Defense
China immediately denied responsibility and instead blamed the Philippines for the collision. Liu Dejun, a spokesperson for China’s coast guard, claimed the Philippine vessel “ignored repeated stern warnings from the Chinese side and dangerously approached” its ship near a group of sandbars known as Sandy Cay—an area China calls Tiexian Reef. Liu said Chinese forces took “control measures” to drive away the Philippine ship “in accordance with the law.” He asserted that “the responsibility rests entirely with the Philippine side,” accusing Manila of infringing on Chinese sovereignty and undermining peace in the region.
The disputed area lies between Thitu Island, which is occupied by Filipino civilians and forces, and Subi Reef, one of China’s massive artificial island bases in the Spratlys. Subi, located about 20 kilometers from Thitu, is heavily militarized and equipped with missiles and an airstrip.
Reactions from Manila and Washington
Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the harassment only strengthened his country’s determination to defend its sovereignty. “Filipino fisherfolk depend on these waters, and neither water cannons nor ramming will deter us from fulfilling our commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos to not surrender a square inch of our territory to any foreign power,” he stated.
The United States swiftly condemned China’s actions. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson praised the Filipino crew’s “tremendous valor and skill in the face of China’s dangerous ramming and use of water cannons,” calling the event a clear violation of international law. Washington reaffirmed its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines, underscoring that any armed attack on Philippine vessels could invoke a U.S. response.
A Pattern of Aggression
This latest clash is not an isolated event. Confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels have become increasingly frequent as Beijing continues to assert control over nearly the entire South China Sea—one of the world’s most important trade routes. Despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping territorial claims, Beijing has refused to recognize the decision. Instead, it has built and fortified island outposts throughout the Spratlys, using both its coast guard and maritime militia to intimidate neighbors.
For years, China has employed similar tactics—water cannon blasts, shadowing maneuvers, and deliberate collisions—to block Philippine resupply missions to small garrisons in contested areas such as Second Thomas Shoal. The latest incident near Thitu Island fits a growing pattern of coercion that experts say aims to erode Philippine control through constant pressure and fear.
Thitu Island, home to a small Filipino community and military detachment, has long been a flashpoint in the Spratlys. China views any Philippine activity there as a provocation, while Manila considers it a legitimate exercise of sovereignty within its exclusive economic zone. The proximity of China’s massive Subi Reef base only amplifies tensions, with Chinese ships regularly patrolling nearby waters.
Manila’s defense and diplomatic officials say the situation reflects China’s broader strategy of asserting dominance over the South China Sea while testing the resolve of smaller nations. Despite repeated warnings, the Philippines insists it will not abandon its outposts or its fishermen. As Admiral Gavan put it, “The harassment we faced today only strengthens our resolve.”
The Broader Implications
The ramming of the BRP Datu Pagbuaya highlights how dangerous the South China Sea has become. The presence of multiple coast guards, fishing fleets, and military assets operating in close quarters leaves little margin for error. Each incident raises the risk of escalation not only between Manila and Beijing but also among the major powers that back them.
For now, the Philippines has vowed to continue its patrols and protect its citizens in the region, while China shows no signs of backing down. The clash near Thitu Island serves as yet another reminder that the South China Sea remains one of the world’s most volatile maritime flashpoints—and that Beijing’s campaign of intimidation is far from over
ACZ Editor: This is strange behavior by the Chinese. But they are in reality hoping that the Philippines starts to ignore their incursions, so that China can establish this as normal. This way they can increase the appearance of sovereignty over these area until they can eventually justify the reality of sovereignty. Remember China thinks in terms of decades, not mere years, in their strategies.