Manila Tells Beijingto Back Off After S. China Sea Incident

Philippines accuses Chinese Coast Guard of firing water cannon at boats in disputed area

MANILA • The Philippines yesterday accused Chinese Coast Guard vessels of firing water cannon at boats delivering supplies to Filipino marines in the disputed South China Sea, and ordered Beijing to “back off”.

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin said he had expressed “outrage, condemnation and protest” to Beijing over the incident, which he said happened on Tuesday as the Philippine boats were travelling to the Second Thomas Shoal in the contested Spratly Islands.

“Fortunately, no one was hurt; but our boats had to abort their resupply mission,” Mr Locsin said in a statement on Twitter, describing the actions by three Chinese vessels as “illegal”.

Mr Locsin described the Philippine boats as “public”, suggesting they were civilian vessels, and said they were covered by a mutual defence pact with the United States.

“China has no law enforcement rights in and around these areas,” he added. “They must take heed and back off.”