“On July 24, the China Coast Guard took control measures in accordance with the law toward multiple Philippine vessels engaged in illegal activities in waters under China’s jurisdiction off Huangyan Island,” the coastguard said in a statement on Friday, referring to Beijing’s name for Scarborough Shoal, known as Panatag Shoal in the Philippines.
Hours later, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela released a statement with video, accusing China Coast Guard of subjecting Philippine vessels to “a series of water cannon attacks and dangerous manoeuvres”.
He added that by 9.30am on Friday, 10 Philippine vessels and 15 Chinese ships remained in a stand-off in the area.
“The PCG [Philippine Coast Guard] strongly condemns the dangerous and unprofessional actions of the China Coast Guard,” he said.
It marked the second day of clashes between the two rival claimants in waters surrounding the triangular reef formation enclosing the lagoon.
