THE U.S. State Department said on Tuesday (April 21) that if reports that China used water cannons on Philippine fishing boats in disputed waters are accurate, it would be a “provocative” step.
“It would represent a step backward in finding a diplomatic resolution to the dispute,” State spokeswoman Marie Harf said.
Filipino activists have accused China’s coast guard of turning water cannons on civilian boats in the disputed area on Monday.
Chinese ships rammed a fishing boat in the area a few months back.
In 2012, China took control of Scarborough Shoal, about 130 miles (209 km) west of a former U.S. naval base northwest of Manila, preventing Filipino fishermen from getting near the rich fishing grounds.
China claims most of the potentially energy-rich South China Sea, with overlapping claims from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, and denies charges its actions in what it says is its own territory are provocative.
The Foreign Ministry has not commented on the latest accusations. (Reuters)