Chinese coast guard vessel targets Philippine ship with water cannon in South China Sea
A Chinese coast guard vessel used a water cannon against a Philippine government ship, with a CNN crew on board, near a disputed shoal.
Image is an AI-generated illustration, not a real photograph.
On March 22, 2024, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel employed a water cannon against a Philippine civilian ship in a disputed area of the South China Sea. The incident occurred during a Philippine resupply mission, with a CNN crew reportedly on board the targeted Philippine vessel. The Armed Forces of the Philippines reported that the civilian vessel sustained "heavy damage" from the water cannon.
The Chinese Coast Guard was also accused of executing a "dangerous maneuver" by crossing the bow of the Philippine resupply vessel before deploying the water cannon. Following the water cannon assault, China reportedly installed floating barriers to impede further entry of any vessels into the area. This confrontation was part of ongoing maritime clashes between China and the Philippines in the contested waterway.
What each outlet emphasizes
- CNN: Chinese ship shoots water cannon at Philippine vessel with CNN crew on board near flashpoint shoal
- CNN: Video CNN on scene as China and the Philippines clash in South China Sea 1:19
- CNN: Chinese coast guard vessel targeting Philippine government ship with a water cannon CNN