In a severe and aggressive incident this year, the Chinese Coast Guard has been accused of attacking Philippine warships in the disputed South China Sea. The attack took place near Scarborough Shoal off Zambales, while the Philippine vessels were en route to provide humanitarian relief to Filipino fishermen.

According to Philippine officials, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources' ships were delivering free gasoline and Christmas grocery packs to impoverished Filipino fishermen when they were met with dangerously aggressive behavior from the Chinese coast guard. The Chinese ships reportedly fired water cannons at least eight times and deployed small motorboats to drive away the Filipino fishermen.

The attack resulted in significant damage to one of the Philippine vessels' navigation and communication systems. Furthermore, it was alleged that the Chinese coast guard used long-range acoustic technology that could cause hearing impairments and severe temporary discomfort to the Filipino crew.

The Scarborough Shoal, a disputed marine feature, remains at the center of conflicts over fishing rights and sovereignty between China and the Philippines. Due to its strategic location near major shipping routes, valued at $3.4 trillion in annual commerce, the shoal holds significant importance to Beijing. There are apprehensions that China may even construct a man-made island in the area.

The Philippines, along with its treaty ally, the United States, has strongly condemned the attack. Philippine officials called it not only illegal but also inhumane to prevent the distribution of humanitarian support. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Mary Kay Carlson, declared that China's actions violated international law and endangered lives and livelihoods, emphasizing the United States' support for an open and free Indo-Pacific.

This incident marks another escalation in the longstanding territorial disputes in the South China Sea, increasing tensions between China and the United States. Throughout this year, there have been numerous confrontations between the Chinese Coast Guard and Philippine vessels, involving water cannon attacks, dangerous maneuvers, and collisions.

The Philippines has accused China of employing military-grade lasers, blocking and shadowing techniques, and engaging in reckless behavior in the disputed waters. These incidents have caused concerns and raised the stakes in the already contentious South China Sea dispute.

As the Philippines strives to counter China's aggressive activities in the South China Sea, tensions continue to simmer in the region, turning it into a hot spot for conflicting naval operations between China and the United States.