The Philippine Coast Guard says Chinese vessels used water cannons and blocking maneuvers against about 20 Philippine fishing boats off Sabina Shoal, injuring three fishermen and damaging two boats. Chinese crews in rubber boats reportedly cut anchor lines, risking vessels amid strong currents. Philippine teams reached the scene, treated the injured and delivered supplies, and urged China to follow international maritime conduct standards. The episode highlights broader South China Sea tensions and competing territorial claims.
Three Filipino Fishermen Injured After Chinese Coast Guard Uses Water Cannons Near Sabina Shoal
In this photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Coast Guard personnel treat wounded fishermen inside their vessel at the disputed South China Sea on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.(Philippine Coast Guard via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
The Philippine Coast Guard said Saturday that Chinese coast guard vessels used powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers against about 20 Philippine fishing boats near the disputed Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, injuring three fishermen and damaging two boats in what Philippine authorities described as a life‑threatening assault.
According to the coast guard, Chinese personnel operating smaller rubber boats later cut the anchor lines of several Philippine vessels on Friday afternoon, "endangering the vessels and their crews amid strong currents and high waves." Two Philippine Coast Guard ships were dispatched to assist, but they encountered hazardous blocking maneuvers by the Chinese vessels; one Chinese ship reportedly closed to as near as 35 yards (about 105 feet) to a Philippine vessel at night.
Response and Medical Aid
Despite the interference, Philippine teams reached the fishermen the next morning, provided immediate medical attention to the injured and delivered essential supplies, the coast guard said. The agency called on the Chinese coast guard "to adhere to internationally recognized standards of conduct, prioritizing the preservation of life at sea over pretensions of law enforcement that jeopardize the lives of innocent fishermen."
In this photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Coast Guard personnel treat wounded fishermen inside their vessel at the disputed South China Sea on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Philippine Coast Guard via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Commodore Jay Tarriela: "The Chinese coast guard is now targeting ordinary fishermen, ordinary civilians and they are endangering the lives of the Filipino fishermen."
Wider Context
The incident underscores ongoing tensions over the South China Sea, a vital global shipping route. China claims nearly the entire sea despite a 2016 arbitration tribunal that — citing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea — ruled Beijing's expansive territorial claims invalid. China rejected that ruling and continues to assert its claims.
The United States, which has no territorial claims in the South China Sea, has repeatedly warned that it may be obligated under its mutual-defense treaty to help defend the Philippines — its oldest treaty ally in Asia — if Filipino forces, including coast guard personnel, ships or aircraft, come under an armed attack. Other claimants in the disputes include Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, making the area a persistent regional flashpoint.
What Remains Unclear: Chinese officials had not immediately commented on the reported confrontation at the time of the coast guard statement.
