China Coast Guard Fires Water Cannon, Blocks Resupply Mission to Filipino Fishers at Scarborough Shoal

A China Coast Guard vessel fired a water cannon at a Philippine vessel for more than two minutes near Scarborough Shoal on July 23, 2026, while another Chinese ship conducted a "dangerous maneuver" to block a Philippine effort to resupply fuel and food to Filipino fishers at the shoal. The Philippine Coast Guard said 12 China Coast Guard vessels and three Chinese maritime militia vessels were involved in blocking the mission. No injuries were reported and the Philippine vessels continued their mission. It was the second of three clashes between China and the Philippines during the week of July 20-24, 2026, prompting a US condemnation of the water cannon use.