The Philippine Coast Guard has accused its Chinese counterpart of firing water cannon at its vessels and blocking them in the disputed South China Sea.
The Philippine Coast Guard has accused its Chinese counterpart of firing water cannon at its vessels and blocking them in the disputed South China Sea.
It said this happened when its ship was escorting boats carrying supplies for Filipino soldiers stationed on one of the contested Spratly Islands.
The US condemned Beijing's "dangerous actions", also blaming Chinese "maritime militia" for the incident.
China has not publicly commented on the reported incident.
Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, including the Spratlys, which is also claimed in part by the Philippines.
In a statement, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the incident happened on Saturday as its vessels were heading to Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands.
It described China's actions as "excessive and unlawful", adding that they also violated international law.
Meanwhile, the US Department of State voiced its support for "our Philippine allies".
"Firing water cannons and employing unsafe blocking manoeuvres, PRC [China's] ships interfered with the Philippines' lawful exercise of high seas freedom of navigation and jeopardised the safety of the Philippine vessels and crew," the department said in a statement.
