Philippines, China trade accusations over South China Sea vessel clash

Maritime confrontation near disputed islands further escalates tension

Water cannon incident in the South China Sea Sunday, October 12th, 2025, 14:59

A China Coast Guard vessel 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. © Reuters

October 12, 2025 15:33 JST

MANILA/BEIJING (Reuters) -- The Philippines and China accused each other on Sunday of responsibility for a maritime confrontation near disputed islands in the South China Sea, further escalating tensions in the resource-rich waterway.