Overview
- Philippine officials say China Coast Guard vessel 21559 used a water cannon, then deliberately rammed the BRP Datu Pagbuaya about 1.6–1.8 nautical miles from Philippine‑held Thitu Island, causing minor damage with no injuries.
- Manila released new video and drone footage showing the water‑cannon blast and the ramming, part of a mission supporting local fishermen that authorities say will continue.
- Beijing rejects Manila’s account, asserting Philippine vessels illegally entered waters near Sandy Cay and ignored warnings, with a China Coast Guard spokesman placing full responsibility on the Philippine side.
- The U.S. State Department condemned the October 12 actions and underscored that the Mutual Defense Treaty covers armed attacks on Philippine public vessels, including coast guard ships, anywhere in the South China Sea.
- Philippine authorities will file a diplomatic protest and report that five China Coast Guard ships, at least 15 maritime militia vessels, a PLA Navy ship, and a helicopter harassed their flotilla near Thitu; allied embassies also issued statements of concern.