Philippines accuses China of using water cannon on its vessels for a second day

Philippines accuses China of using water cannon on its vessels for a second day as Manila reports another maritime incident near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The Philippine Coast Guard said a Chinese vessel came within about 7 m (23 feet) of a Philippine fisheries boat on Friday, creating what it called a serious collision risk, marking the second straight day of allegations. The PCG said Scarborough is a traditional Filipino fishing ground and said China’s actions are dangerous and unprofessional. China’s Coast Guard responded that it imposed “control measures” on several Philippine vessels it claimed were operating illegally around the shoal. The episode follows earlier confrontations this week, including at Second Thomas Shoal, and comes as regional foreign ministers met in Manila with Chinese FM Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.