Chinese coast guard vessels reportedly assaulted Philippine vessels with water cannons for a second consecutive day during a confrontation near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

 The incident occurred as Philippine supply boats and coast guard escort ships attempted to deliver essential supplies to Filipino forces stationed on a navy ship serving as a territorial outpost. The Philippine coast guard revealed that three of its vessels were targeted, with one being rammed and sustaining serious engine damage.

Coast guard spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela stated that the assault took place as two Philippine navy-operated supply boats, accompanied by coast guard escort ships, were en route to provide provisions to Filipino forces marooned at the disputed shoal. Drone footage and photographs released by the Philippine coast guard depict Chinese coast guard ships using water cannons at close range against a Philippine coast guard patrol ship (BRP Cabra) and a smaller supply boat.

China claimed that a Philippine vessel ignored warnings and, in violation of international navigation regulations, deliberately collided with a Chinese coast guard ship, causing only "scratching." Tensions have persisted for years at Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese ships have surrounded the area, obstructing Philippine coast guard and supply boats in an ongoing bid to assert control over the contested atoll.

The recent hostilities, marked by increased intensity this year, raise concerns about the potential for an armed conflict. The United States, a treaty ally of the Philippines, has pledged to defend the country if its forces face armed attacks. In a previous confrontation on Saturday, Chinese coast guard ships deployed water cannons against three Philippine fisheries vessels, causing "significant damage" to communication and navigation equipment. This incident, along with the use of a long-range acoustic device, drew condemnation from the Philippines, the United States, and Japan.

Philippine officials demanded immediate action from the Chinese government to cease aggressive activities and adhere to international law principles, emphasizing the need to respect Philippine sovereignty. The Philippines also reported incidents of Chinese coast guard ships using military-grade lasers to temporarily blind Filipino crewmen and engaging in dangerous blocking and shadowing maneuvers in other high seas clashes earlier this year.

Despite escalating tensions, a flotilla of 40 civilian fishing boats, accompanied by Philippine coast guard escort ships, was reportedly en route to Second Thomas Shoal and two other Philippine-occupied areas on Sunday. The mission aimed to deliver Christmas food packs and donated supplies to Filipino forces stationed in these disputed areas.