Philippines Dares China to Seek Arbitration After Water Cannon Attack

Footage released by the Philippine military shows two Chinese coast guard ships hitting the wooden-hulled boat with high-pressure sprays.

A Chinese coast guard ship (top) tries to block a Philippine government vessel at the disputed South China Sea on March 21, 2024. Philippine Coast Guard via AP

The Philippines’ defense chief has dared China to take its maritime sovereignty claims in the South China Sea to international arbitration after the latest water cannon attack by Chinese coast guard vessels.

Chinese coast guard ships hit a Philippine supply vessel with water cannons at the Second Thomas Shoal on March 23, injuring crew members and causing heavy damage to the vessel.