Philippines claims China fired water cannon at its boats

China accused of using water cannons to obstruct Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal, a contentious area in the South China Sea. The Philippines calls China’s actions ‘illegal and aggressive’ in the ongoing territorial dispute. China took control of Scarborough Shoal in 2012, causing problems for Philippine fishermen. The recent incident involved Chinese Coast Guard ships using water cannons to obstruct fuel and food supplies delivery. Tensions have escalated since Ferdinand Marcos Jr. became president, leading to joint patrols with the US and Australia.