28 Chinese Cutters and Warships Surge Into Philippine Waters – Water Cannons Blast Fisheries Vessels

The Scarborough Shoal, a long-disputed maritime flashpoint in the South China Sea – where over 190 Chinese vessels, including 28 cutters and PLAN warships have been spotted operating in Philippine waters – saw fresh turmoil on Tuesday when a Chinese Coast Guard cutter unleashed a water cannon barrage on a Philippine fisheries vessel. The dramatic confrontation, captured on video and broadcast by the state-run People’s Television Network, underscored the escalating friction between Manila and Beijing over the resource-rich shoal.

According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the incident involved two Philippine fisheries vessels—BRP Datu Cabaylo (MMOV-3001) and BRP Datu Sanday (MMOV-3002)—which were in the area to resupply local fishermen. As the ships approached the contested waters, they were met by two Chinese cutters and a warship from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The footage shows China Coast Guard cutter 3301 unleashing torrents of water against the Datu Cabaylo, with Chinese vessels engaging in aggressive maneuvering to obstruct the Philippine boats. Despite the dangerous encounter, BFAR officials confirmed that the ships completed their mission.

The Battle for Scarborough Shoal

Known locally as Bajo de Masinloc and to the Chinese as Huangyan Dao, Scarborough Shoal has been a flashpoint for Sino-Philippine tensions since 2012, when a standoff between the two nations was followed by Beijing surging coast guard and maritime militia ships into the area. Over the last year, confrontations have spiked, as China seeks to bolster its territorial claims with increasingly assertive tactics and the recent addition of PLAN warships. These tactics have included ramming civilian boats, deploying water cannons, and executing near-miss maneuvers that risk collision. Tuesday’s incident adds to a growing list of confrontations that have sparked diplomatic backlash from Manila, while civic groups in the Philippines have staged symbolic protests against China’s ongoing occupation.

The incident’s timing was no coincidence. It occurred just as the Philippine Navy and US Navy kicked off Exercise Sama Sama 2024, a major naval drill that brings together forces from Canada, Australia, Japan, France, and the United States. Among the warships participating are BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and HMCS Vancouver (FFH-331), along with U.S. guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG-83). The exercises, which will feature joint maneuvers, search and rescue operations, and maritime patrols, serve as a show of solidarity among allies in the region amid growing concerns over China’s military expansion.

Manila and Beijing’s Dangerous Dance

In a press conference following the incident, Vice Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, highlighted the sheer scale of Chinese presence in the region. Over 190 Chinese vessels, including 28 cutters and PLAN warships, have been spotted operating in Philippine waters, particularly near the Second Thomas, Sabina, and Scarborough Shoals. The numbers illustrate what Manila sees as a relentless effort by Beijing to cement its territorial claims through sheer force.

Scarborough Shoal represents just one of many pressure points in the South China Sea, a body of water where geopolitical interests intersect with rich fishing grounds and untapped underwater resources. China has employed a mixture of hard power and gray-zone tactics—using its coast guard and maritime militia as proxies—to assert its claims over disputed waters. For Manila, each encounter is more than just a diplomatic spat; it’s a test of national sovereignty and maritime rights under international law.

WATCH: ‘The Most Dangerous Conflict No One is Talking About’

The Bigger Picture: Naval Drills and Humanitarian Operations

While tensions flare in the South China Sea, Exercise Sama Sama 2024 serves as a potent reminder that the Philippines is not without allies. The drills are part of a broader pattern of military cooperation in the region, which has seen a rising tempo of joint exercises aimed at deterring Chinese aggression. With a mix of Western and regional partners, the message to Beijing is clear: any attempt to upend the status quo in disputed waters will not go unanswered.

Meanwhile, in northern Luzon, U.S. and Philippine forces are engaged in humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts following Typhoon Krathon’s devastation. The arrival of the Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia and the mobilization of C-130s and MV-22 Ospreys reflect the flexibility of U.S.-Philippine defense cooperation during emergency relief efforts.

An Era of Dangerous Waters

As the South China Sea becomes increasingly militarized, this week’s clash at Scarborough Shoal is unlikely to be the last. With Beijing ramping up its assertive tactics, adding warships into the mix and Manila doubling down on international partnerships, the stakes are rising. The growing frequency of incidents signals not just a battle for maritime rights, but a broader struggle for influence in the Indo-Pacific. The waters around Scarborough Shoal may be turbulent today, but they are becoming a storm front for tomorrow’s geopolitical landscape.

Related Video – 60 Minutes Scarborough Shoal

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up