Watch: China attacked a Philippine ship with our reporter on board – what happened next

In March, Chinese coast guard vessels fired water cannons at a Philippine supply vessel in the South China Sea Photo: Adrian Portugal/REUTERS < p>Filipino crew was in radio contact with the Chinese coast guard, asking them to withdraw, and also reading out a statement confirming the Philippines' claims to the shoal.

As the reef approached, the Bagakai accelerated in an attempt to draw fire from the Datu Bankau, which had called for nearby fishermen to pick up supplies.

The Chinese Coast Guard eventually retreated, and when the Bagakai approached to the southern entrance at a distance of 1,000 yards. In shallow water, he noticed a 380-meter barrier of white buoys – another obstacle in his path.

The sea was unusually calm when the crew sent a drone to inspect the artificial border. That's when the Chinese attacked the ship, firing water cannons from both sides.

The Philippine Coast Guard condemned the Chinese actions.

They said they had assigned their vessel “to carry organized legal maritime patrols in the waters near Bajo de Masinloc” with the “primary purpose of distributing fuel and food” to support fishermen.

“During the patrol, the Philippine vessels encountered dangerous maneuvers and obstacles from four Chinese coast guard ships and six Chinese maritime police ships,” the department added.

The damage from the cannons “is evidence of the intense water pressure used by the Chinese Coast Guard in pursuing the Philippine vessels.”

The confrontation, while shocking, was not an uncommon incident in the South China Sea, where Chinese ships have frequently used water cannons, lasers and other intimidation methods against the Philippines and any other ships they perceive to be intruding. country. on its territory.

The Philippines praised its coast guard for standing its ground. “They were not deterred and will continue to carry out their legitimate operations to support Filipino fishermen and ensure their safety.”

Later that day, the convoy turned back to port due to damage to a supply vessel.

Their crews – this time – were not harmed, but incidents like these represent a risk they often face in the battle for control of the strategic South China Sea, on the front lines of tensions that many fear could provoke the next international war. conflict.