In the latest incident near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, Chinese coast guard ships targeted a Philippine supply boat with water cannons, resulting in injuries to members of the Philippine navy and substantial damage to the wooden vessel. The confrontation took place near the Second Thomas Shoal, which has witnessed repeated clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels over the past year.

The United States and Japan were quick to express their support for the Philippines and expressed concern over the increasing aggression by Chinese forces off the Second Thomas Shoal. The shoal, which has been occupied by a small contingent of Philippine navy and marines on a marooned warship since 1999, is currently surrounded by Chinese coast guard and suspected militia vessels in a tense territorial standoff.

This is the second time in March alone that the Philippine boat, Unaizah May 4, has suffered damage due to the Chinese coast guard's water cannon assault. Experts fear that these frequent high-seas confrontations may escalate into a larger conflict involving China and the United States.

The United States has repeatedly stressed its obligation to defend the Philippines - its oldest treaty ally in Asia - if Filipino forces, ships, or aircraft are subjected to an armed attack, including in the South China Sea. Responding to the latest incident, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller issued a statement condemning the dangerous actions of the People's Republic of China (PRC) against lawful Philippine maritime operations. Miller highlighted that the repeated use of water cannons and obstructive maneuvers by Chinese ships resulted in injuries to Filipino service members and significant damage to the resupply vessel, rendering it immovable.

Accompanied by two Philippine coast guard ships, the Unaizah May 4 was en route to deliver supplies and a fresh group of sailors to the territorial outpost at the shoal when it was surrounded and blocked by Chinese coast guard ships and suspected militia vessels. The Philippine government task force responsible for handling territorial conflicts described the actions of the Chinese forces as reckless and dangerous, culminating in the water cannoning of the Unaizah May 4, causing severe damage to the vessel and injuries to the Filipino crew onboard.