US Condemns China After South China Sea Vessel Clash Injures Filipino Fishermen

China’s coast guard and maritime militia vessels fired water cannons and conducted “dangerous blocking maneuvers” against Filipino fishing boats, Manila says.

Philippine Coast Guard personnel treat wounded fishermen inside their vessel at the disputed South China Sea on Dec. 13, 2025. Philippine Coast Guard via AP

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson condemned the Chinese regime on Dec. 14 after Manila reported a water cannon attack by the Chinese coast guard injured three Filipino fishermen and damaged their two boats in the South China Sea.

“China Coast Guard’s aggressive tactics—water cannoning and cutting anchor lines—against Filipino fishers at Sabina Shoal threaten lives and livelihoods,” Carlson said in a post on X.