Int'l community slams China's water cannon attack on Filipino fishermen

Foreign countries have conveyed their concern over the recent water cannon attack made by China Coast Guard against Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.

- BY BETHEENA UNITE

The United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany have issued their respective statements over China's action at sea.

US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson condemned China Coast Guard's "aggressive tactics" against Filipino fishermen near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

"China Coast Guard's aggressive tactics—water cannoning and cutting anchor lines—against Filipino fishers at Sabina Shoal threaten lives and livelihoods," Carlson said in a statement.

"We strongly condemn these illegal actions and applaud the Philippine Coast Guard for aiding fishers and defending Philippines sovereign rights," the envoy added.

In a separate statement, US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas Pigott condemned China's acts which endangered Filipinos fishing for their livelihood.