Tensions in the South China Sea flared again after the Philippines accused the Chinese coast guard of aggressively targeting Filipino fishing boats near a disputed shoal, injuring three fishermen and damaging multiple vessels. The incident occurred off Sabina Shoal, an area claimed by several countries and considered one of the most sensitive flashpoints in the region.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard, Chinese coast guard ships used powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking manoeuvres against around 20 Philippine fishing boats operating in the area. The actions resulted in injuries to three Filipino fishermen and caused damage to at least two fishing vessels. Philippine authorities described the encounter as life-threatening and unprovoked.

In a further escalation, Chinese coast guard personnel aboard smaller rubber boats allegedly cut the anchor lines of several Philippine fishing boats later in the day. The Philippine Coast Guard said this action placed the vessels and their crews at serious risk, especially given the strong sea currents and high waves in the area at the time.

Photographs released by the Philippine Coast Guard showed personnel treating wounded fishermen aboard a coast guard vessel in the disputed waters. The injured fishermen were later provided medical care and essential supplies after Philippine coast guard ships managed to reach them.

Two Philippine coast guard vessels were deployed to assist the fishermen near Sabina Shoal. However, officials said they faced dangerous interference from Chinese coast guard ships during the rescue operation. One Chinese vessel reportedly came as close as 35 yards (about 105 feet) to a Philippine coast guard ship during nighttime conditions, increasing the risk of a collision.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela strongly condemned the incident during an online news briefing. “The Chinese coast guard is now targeting ordinary fishermen, ordinary civilians, and they are endangering the lives of the Filipino fishermen,” Tarriela said. He added that the aggressive actions went far beyond any acceptable form of maritime law enforcement.

Despite the confrontation, the Philippine Coast Guard said it was able to safely reach the fishermen the following morning. “Despite these unprofessional and unlawful interferences, the Philippine coast guard successfully reached the fishermen and provided immediate medical attention to the injured along with essential supplies,” the agency said in a statement, indicating that tensions had temporarily eased.

The Philippine Coast Guard also issued a direct appeal to Beijing, urging the Chinese coast guard to follow international norms. It called on Chinese authorities “to adhere to internationally recognised standards of conduct, prioritising the preservation of life at sea over pretensions of law enforcement that jeopardise the lives of innocent fishermen.”

Chinese officials did not immediately respond to the latest accusations. However, China has consistently maintained that it will defend what it claims as its sovereign territory in the South China Sea and has previously rejected criticism of its coast guard’s actions in disputed waters.

The South China Sea is one of the world’s most important shipping routes and is believed to be rich in natural resources. China claims nearly the entire sea, despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated Beijing’s expansive claims under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China dismissed the ruling as illegitimate and has continued to assert control over contested areas.

The incident drew attention from the United States, which has no territorial claims in the South China Sea but is a long-standing treaty ally of the Philippines. Washington has repeatedly warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines if Filipino forces, including coast guard personnel, ships or aircraft, come under an armed attack in the disputed waters.

Several other countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, also have overlapping claims in the South China Sea. The ongoing disputes have long been viewed as a major security concern in Asia, with repeated confrontations raising fears of miscalculation and wider conflict.

The latest clash near Sabina Shoal underscores the growing risks faced by civilian fishermen operating in contested waters and highlights the fragile state of maritime stability in the region. As diplomatic tensions persist, the incident adds to calls for stronger adherence to international law and greater efforts to prevent escalation in one of the world’s most strategically vital waterways.