The Philippines claimed that the China Coast Guard obstructed a Filipino supply vessel and caused damage using water cannons on Saturday morning near a remote and disputed reef in the South China Sea.

The Philippine military reported that the nearly hour-long incident took place near Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese ships have previously allegedly engaged in water cannon attacks and collisions with Filipino vessels during similar stand-offs in recent months.  

In a statement, the military said, "The UM4 supply boat sustained heavy damages at around 08:52 (am) due to the continued blasting of water cannons from the CCG vessels," without detailing the extent of the harm or mentioning any potential casualties.

A Philippine Coast Guard escort vessel subsequently arrived at the damaged boat "to provide assistance," according to the military.

On his account, China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu stated in a release that the Philippine convoy "entered the area without authorization despite multiple warnings and route controls from the Chinese side." They asserted that the Chinese conducted "control, obstruction, and eviction in accordance with law."

"We sternly warn the Philippine side: those who play with fire will bring shame on themselves. The Chinese Coast Guard is ready at all times to resolutely safeguard our country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," Gan added.

The big picture

This is happening just four days after Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the Philippines, during which he conveyed the message of the United States' "ironclad" commitments to "defend the ally in armed attack in the South China Sea."

At a joint press conference with his Philippine counterpart Enrique Manalo, Blinken said last Tuesday, "These waterways are critical to the Philippines, to its security, to its economy, but they're also critical to the interests of the region, the United States, and the world," adding, "That's why we stand with the Philippines and stand by our ironclad defense commitments, including under the mutual defense treaty."

Blinken also toured a semiconductor plant and described the island of the Philippines as "an increasingly critical partner" in ensuring a "resilient" supply chain of chips.

After announcing the trilateral meeting, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the leaders would encourage a "shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific".

Read more: Philippines accuses China of blocking Filipino coast guard vessel

That same statement was reiterated last month when the Philippines and the United States conducted a joint military drill in the South China Sea in a series of military exercises to expand the Philippines' military presence in the region. 

This marks the third military exercise conducted by both countries in collaborative efforts, increasing provocations against China, which regards the US presence in the region as an interference in Chinese and regional affairs. 

Ever since the US and the Philippines launched joint military naval exercises, bilateral relations between China and The Philippines saw sharp declines, adding to the existing tensions and territorial conflicts.