The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has reported that Chinese coastguard vessels fired water cannons at Filipino fishermen near the Sabina Shoal in the disputed South China Sea, injuring three crew members and causing significant damage to two fishing boats. The incident occurred on December 13, 2025, about 150 kilometers (93 miles) from the Philippine island of Palawan, a resource-rich area with frequent maritime confrontations.

Details of the Incident

According to PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela, nearly two dozen Filipino fishing boats were subjected to aggressive maneuvers, including high-pressure water cannon blasts and blocking attempts, by Chinese vessels. The attack resulted in bruises and open wounds for three fishermen, while two boats sustained substantial structural damage.

During the confrontation, a Chinese coastguard ship also reportedly cut anchor lines of several Filipino vessels, further endangering their crews. Tarriela emphasized that the Philippine response prioritized the safety and medical care of the injured fishermen despite repeated obstruction by Chinese ships.

Philippines’ Call for International Standards

In a statement, the PCG urged China to adhere to internationally recognized maritime conduct standards, emphasizing that protecting life at sea must take precedence over claims of law enforcement or sovereignty that risk harming innocent fishermen. PCG units were eventually able to reach the affected vessels, providing medical attention and essential supplies.

China’s Response

China defended its actions, claiming the measures were necessary to protect its territorial sovereignty over the shoal, which it refers to as Xianbin Jiao. Chinese coastguard spokesperson Liu Dejun stated that their vessels issued verbal warnings and expelled Philippine boats according to Chinese law, accusing the Filipino fishermen of “deliberately intruding under the pretext of fishing.”

Tarriela dismissed China’s statements as an admission of aggressive behavior, highlighting the repeated obstruction of rescue efforts by the Philippine coastguard.

Context of South China Sea Tensions

The latest clash is part of a long-standing series of disputes in the South China Sea, where Beijing claims nearly the entire maritime region despite an international tribunal ruling in 2016 in favor of the Philippines. The ruling, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), found that China’s claims exceeded lawful limits. China has refused to comply with the decision.

The Sabina Shoal incident follows other confrontations, including a recent encounter at Scarborough Shoal (Huangyan Dao), where Chinese forces expelled Filipino aircraft, and an October clash in the Spratly Islands where a Chinese vessel allegedly rammed a Philippine government ship.

Implications for Regional Security

These incidents exacerbate tensions between the Philippines and China, highlighting the ongoing risks to civilian maritime activity in contested areas. The Philippines continues to call for adherence to international maritime law and peaceful resolution of disputes, while maintaining a presence to safeguard its fishermen and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) rights.