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Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (CSIS)

Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (CSIS)

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Water cannons on fishermen: Sabina Shoal becomes China–Philippines’ new front line

Force in Play

Tracks gray-zone patterns and escalation risks

A month ago, China's coast guard escalated beyond shoving resupply convoys—it blasted water cannons at small Philippine fishing boats near Sabina (Escoda) Shoal, damaged two vessels, and left three fishermen injured, while Chinese craft allegedly cut anchor lines and boxed out rescuers. Manila filed a diplomatic protest calling the actions "dangerous" and "inhumane." But the pressure hasn't stopped: in early January 2026, Chinese naval and coast guard vessels appeared during a search-and-rescue operation off Zambales—closer to the Philippine mainland than the usual reef flashpoints.

Updated Jan 11