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China fires water cannon at Philippine vessel near Scarborough Shoal

7/30/2026

27 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On July 30 2026, China’s military and Coast Guard fired water cannon at a Philippine vessel near Scarborough Shoal.
The Chinese Coast Guard said it gave a verbal warning, blocked the vessel and used water cannon under law to expel illegal, harassing vessels.
The incident came amid heightened tensions between China and the Philippines over overlapping South China Sea claims.
The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately comment when asked.

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Story summary

On July 30 2026, China’s military and Coast Guard fired water cannon at a Philippine vessel near Scarborough Shoal.
The Chinese Coast Guard said it gave a verbal warning, blocked the vessel and used water cannon under law to expel illegal, harassing vessels.
The incident came amid heightened tensions between China and the Philippines over overlapping South China Sea claims.
The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately comment when asked.