US Backs Philippines After Fishermen Injured in South China Sea Clash

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

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

The United States voiced support for the Philippines after Manila reported that a water cannon attack by the China Coast Guard injured three Filipino fishermen and damaged their two boats in the South China Sea.

In a Dec. 14 statement, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the United States condemned China’s “water cannoning and cutting of anchor lines of Filipino fishers close to Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea.”