Video Shows China Spraying Water Cannons, Ramming Philippine Ships

New video footage captures some of the weaponry and tactics that the China Coast Guard is using in the South China Sea, with ships firing water cannons at and ramming Philippine vessels in the hotly contested waters.

The Philippines has repeatedly accused China of increasingly aggressive actions against government ships and fishermen as Beijing pushes to secure its control over the South China Sea, a major strategic waterway rich in natural resources and trade.

On Sunday, Philippine fishing and coast guard vessels were in waters off Philippine-controlled Pag-asa Island, also called Thitu Island, located among the Spratly Islands west of Manila.

Chinese coast guard and maritime militia ships then entered the area, with one firing a water cannon at a Philippine government vessel. Minutes later, the same Chinese ship rammed into the stern of the Philippine ship, causing minor structural damage. No injuries were reported.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela posted video footage of the incidents. He called China’s tactics “bullying tactics and aggressive actions,” adding the Philippines would “not be intimidated or driven away.”

The Chinese coast guard has long used water cannons in its engagements with Philippine vessels. The powerful cannons are far more than an annoyance. They have injured personnel and damaged equipment. Ramming is also common.

There have been boarding incidents that the Philippines have characterized as piracy. Chinese personnel in those incidents even carried bladed weapons. China has also employed dazzlers and acoustic devices in confrontations.

The majority of engagements are gray zone aggression below the threshold of war, but these still carry risks.

Maneuvers like ramming, blocking, and chasing run a risk of causing a major accident that could, intentional or otherwise, prove fatal. A recent incident came at the expense of China’s own ships.

In August, while a Chinese destroyer and a Chinese coast guard vessel were chasing a Philippine patrol boat at high speeds east of the Scarborough Shoal, the destroyer crossed into the path of the coast guard vessel, resulting in a catastrophic collision. Video footage from the incident showed significant damage to the hull of the coast guard ship.

Regarding this Sunday’s clash, China blamed the Philippines for entering waters that it claims without permission and said a Philippine vessel dangerously approached a Chinese coast guard ship, causing a scrape. China continues to exert its territorial claims over the majority of the South China Sea, which have been called repeatedly into question.

China has also had run-ins and confrontations with other militaries in the South China Sea, both at sea and in the air. China routinely dismisses complaints, arguing its actions are lawful and necessary to protect its sovereignty.