Sat Dec 13 17:31:19 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article rewrite:
Summary:
On December 13, 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that Chinese Coast Guard ships used water cannons and other aggressive tactics against Filipino fishing boats near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea. Three fishermen were wounded, and two vessels suffered significant damage. The Chinese Coast Guard also cut anchor lines. The Philippines condemned China’s actions, calling on them to respect international standards and prioritize the safety of fishermen. China defended its actions, stating they drove away Philippine vessels and took control measures. The Philippine Coast Guard managed to reach the injured fishermen despite being blocked. The incident occurred in an area within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, part of the South China Sea claimed by China despite a 2016 international ruling against Beijing’s claims.
News Article:
Chinese Coast Guard Attack Injures Filipino Fishermen in South China Sea
MANILA – Tensions flared again in the South China Sea on Saturday, December 13, 2025, after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) accused the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) of attacking Filipino fishing vessels near Sabina Shoal (also known as Xianbin Reef by China and Escoda Shoal by the Philippines).
According to the PCG, CCG vessels used water cannons and dangerous maneuvers against nearly two dozen Filipino fishing boats on Friday. Three Filipino fishermen sustained injuries, and two vessels suffered “significant damage.” The PCG also reported that a CCG boat cut the anchor lines of several Filipino boats, endangering the crews.
“The PCG calls on the Chinese Coast Guard to adhere to internationally recognized standards of conduct, prioritizing the preservation of life at sea over pretensions of law enforcement that jeopardize the lives of innocent fishermen,” the Philippine Coast Guard said in a statement.
While the Chinese embassy in Manila has not yet responded to requests for comment, the CCG stated on Friday that it had driven away Philippine vessels and taken “control measures.”
PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela condemned China’s actions, calling the statement an “admission of wrongdoing to ordinary Filipino fishermen.”
Despite being blocked by CCG vessels, the PCG successfully reached the injured fishermen and provided medical assistance and essential supplies.
Sabina Shoal is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, approximately 150 kilometers west of Palawan province. China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, a vital waterway for global trade. These claims overlap with the exclusive economic zones of several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines.
In 2016, an international arbitral tribunal ruled that China’s sweeping claims had no basis under international law. China has rejected this ruling. This latest incident is likely to further escalate tensions in the region.
First Piper 