US calls out China for aggressive actions vs Filipino fishermen in disputed water
The United States condemned the China Coast Guard for using water cannons and cutting anchor lines against Filipino fishermen near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, an incident that injured three crew members and damaged a Philippine fishing vessel. US officials, including State Department deputy spokesperson Thomas Pigott and Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, said the actions endangered lives, threatened livelihoods, and undermined regional stability. The Philippine Coast Guard released video of the encounter, assisted the injured fishers, and asserted the country’s sovereign rights in its claimed maritime zones amid ongoing tensions with China.