China's Aggressive Actions in South China Sea Draw International Condemnation

The Philippines has accused China of using water cannons to obstruct its vessels near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The incident occurred as Philippine government vessels were delivering fuel and food supplies to fishing boats. The Philippines condemned China's actions as "illegal and aggressive." Tensions between the two countries have been escalating over competing sovereignty claims in the region, with the Philippines recently conducting joint patrols with the US and Australia. China has been building islands in the disputed waters despite an international tribunal invalidating its claim to 90% of the South China Sea in 2016.