The United States has strongly condemned China’s recent aggressive maneuvers against Philippine government vessels near the Scarborough Shoal, a disputed maritime feature in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) claimed by both Manila and Beijing. China alleged that more than 10 Philippine vessels intruded into the shoal, which it refers to as Huangyan Island, and reportedly used water cannons to force the boats away. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that aggressive actions by China caused significant damage to the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang (MMOV 3014), operated by the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), resulting in injury to one crew member. In response, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson took to X (formerly Twitter) to denounce China’s actions.

Kabagani, L. J. (2025, September 18). U.S. slams 'aggressive' Chinese action at WPS. Daily Tribune, p. A3.