MANILA – Several foreign embassies in the Philippines have voiced concern over the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) recent use of water cannons against Philippine vessels near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), calling for respect for international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea.

In a statement posted Tuesday on X (formerly Twitter), Australian Ambassador HK Yu reiterated that the 2016 Arbitral Ruling is binding on all parties. “Australia shares the Philippines’ concerns at China Coast Guard’s use of water cannons against Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal,” she said. “Disputes must be resolved peacefully consistent with international law, especially UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).”

The New Zealand Embassy in Manila echoed the same sentiment, urging parties to avoid escalation. “New Zealand is again concerned to see dangerous manoeuvres and the use of water cannons against BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) vessels in the South China Sea,” it said. “We do not want to see safety put at risk like this. Once again, we call for the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes in accordance with UNCLOS.”

The South Korean Embassy also expressed concern and affirmed its support for maritime peace and stability. “The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines is concerned about the recent use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers against the Philippine vessels around the Scarborough Shoal,” it said.

Earlier on Monday, the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, and Canada also issued separate statements urging respect for international law and calling out the CCG’s aggressive actions.

The BFAR had deployed four vessels last Friday to deliver fuel and supplies to Filipino fishermen operating near the shoal. Two of the ships — BRP Datu Tamblot and BRP Datu Taradapit — were targeted by water cannons from CCG vessels 4203 and 3105 at distances of 15.6 and 18.1 nautical miles, respectively, from Bajo de Masinloc — locations well within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ). (Info from PNA)