China's Aggressive Actions in South China Sea: Philippines' Boat Blocked and Water-Cannoned

The Philippines has accused China's coast guard of blocking and water-cannoning a Philippine military supply boat in the South China Sea, condemning the "excessive and offensive actions" against its vessels. China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, an assertion rejected internationally. The incident occurred near the Second Thomas Shoal, where a handful of Philippine troops live on a grounded World War Two-era U.S. ship. The U.S. State Department stated that China's actions threaten regional peace and stability, reaffirming its commitment to the Philippines under the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.