Sawt Falasteen - Philippines says ship hit by Chinese water cannon at disputed reef

The incident at Scarborough Shoal, which took place during an attempt to resupply Filipino fishermen, came as top diplomats wrapped up a Southeast Asian regional forum in Manila.

Beijing claims most of the South China Sea, including the flashpoint shoal, despite an international ruling that its assertion lacks any legal basis.

The Philippine Coast Guard said Friday that the Chinese vessel conducted a "reckless" manoeuvre, coming within seven metres of the BRP Datu Paduhinog and hitting the ship with a water cannon blast.

"BRP Datu Paduhinog experienced a temporary loss of its satellite... connectivity," the statement said.

Two other ships, the BRP Datu Cabaylo and the BRP Cape San Agustin, were also targeted with water cannon but not hit, the coast guard said.

China Coast Guard said it "took necessary measures" including the firing of a water cannon at the Philippine ships to "resolutely drive them away".

"We sternly warn the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringing and provocative actions. Otherwise, all consequences arising therefrom will be borne by the Philippine side," China Coast Guard spokesperson Jiang Lue said in a statement.

China's foreign ministry said the Philippine vessels "deliberately intruded first".

China's actions were conducted in a "professional and standard manner that leaves no room for criticism", foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a news briefing.

The week opened with a clash at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal that saw the Philippine government accuse Chinese sailors of clubbing a Filipino sailor over the head with a baton, necessitating a medical evacuation.

The incident, which Beijing said was instigated by Philippine personnel, sparked a round of condemnation from Manila's allies.

On Thursday, the Philippines accused the China Coast Guard of employing water cannon and dangerous manoeuvres at Scarborough.

Both China and the Philippines said this week they were working towards completing a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea by the end of the year.

B.Khalifa--SF-PST