US condemns China over South China Sea vessel clash with the Philippines

Water cannon incident in the South China Sea

A China Coast Guard vessel 21559 uses a water cannon against Philippines Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ship BRP Datu Pagbuaya in the South China Sea, in this handout image released by the Philippine Coast Guard on October 12, 2025. Philippine Coast Guard/Handout via REUTERS

Source: Handout

The United States condemned China on Monday after Washington's ally the Philippines and China traded accusations over a maritime confrontation near disputed islands in the South China Sea.

"The United States condemns China's October 12 ramming and water cannoning of a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel close to Thitu Island in the South China Sea," the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

"We stand with our Philippine allies as they confront China's dangerous actions which undermine regional stability," the department added.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters