On December 15, 2025, the European Union issued a strong condemnation of recent "dangerous actions" by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) against Philippine fishing vessels in the disputed South China Sea. The statement highlighted the use of water cannons and the deliberate cutting of anchor lines by Chinese vessels, actions that reportedly endangered civilian lives, caused injuries, and violated international maritime law.
The EU's statement emphasized that these incidents threatened the safety of life at sea and undermined the lawful exercise of maritime rights by the Philippines. It reiterated that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) serves as the foundational legal framework for all oceanic activities and must be upheld without exception. Furthermore, the bloc referenced the 2016 Arbitral Award, declaring it final and legally binding on the involved parties, particularly in rejecting expansive historical claims that conflict with UNCLOS provisions.
The EU called for de-escalation, urging China to exercise restraint, avoid the use of force or coercion, and pursue peaceful dispute resolution in line with international law. This condemnation aligns with the EU's longstanding position on maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and secure maritime routes in the Indo-Pacific region.
The incident prompting the EU's response occurred on December 12, 2025, near Escoda Shoal (also known as Sabina Shoal), a resource-rich feature within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), approximately 20 Filipino fishing boats were engaged in lawful fishing when surrounded by CCG vessels and Chinese maritime militia ships. The Chinese forces allegedly deployed high-pressure water cannons, performed dangerous blocking maneuvers, and used rigid-hull inflatable boats to cut anchor lines of several Philippine vessels. This left the boats vulnerable to strong currents and high waves.
As a result, three Filipino fishermen sustained injuries, including bruises and open wounds, while two fishing boats suffered significant structural damage. The PCG released photos and videos showing water cannons targeting small outrigger boats, with blasts destroying wooden structures onboard. In response, the Philippines dispatched two multi-role response vessels, BRP Cape Engaño and BRP Malapascua, to assist the fishermen and assert presence in the area. These vessels faced repeated blocking attempts by Chinese ships, with one maneuver coming within 35 yards.
Chinese authorities presented a contrasting account. CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun stated that Philippine vessels had entered waters near the shoal "under the pretense of fishing" to provoke incidents, ignoring warnings. Beijing claimed its forces took "necessary control measures" in accordance with domestic laws and regulations, without elaborating on specifics.
This confrontation marks one of the most severe incidents targeting civilian Filipino fishermen in 2025 near Escoda Shoal, a recurring flashpoint. It follows a pattern of escalating encounters throughout the year, including rammings, water cannon uses, and blockades involving both government and fishing vessels.
International reactions were swift. The United States condemned the actions on December 14, with State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas Pigott stating, "The United States condemns China’s water cannoning and cutting of anchor lines of Filipino fishers close to Sabina Shoal." U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson echoed this, applauding the PCG for defending sovereign rights. Canada also denounced the assault, highlighting risks to civilians.
These events underscore persistent tensions between China and the Philippines, a U.S. treaty ally, over overlapping claims in the South China Sea—a vital waterway through which over $3 trillion in annual trade passes. China asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire sea based on its "nine-dash line" (now ten-dash), encompassing features claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia.
The 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, initiated by the Philippines under UNCLOS Annex VII, invalidated much of China's claims, finding no legal basis for historic rights within the nine-dash line and affirming Philippine rights in its EEZ, including around Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal. The tribunal classified several features as low-tide elevations or rocks entitled only to limited territorial seas, not full EEZs. China rejected the award as "null and void," refusing participation in the proceedings.
The EU has consistently viewed the 2016 award as legally binding and has referenced it in multiple statements, including on its anniversaries. While no new official EEAS statement was issued specifically on December 15, 2025, the condemnation aligns with prior EU positions emphasizing UNCLOS compliance and peaceful resolution.
Broader context reveals a series of incidents in 2025 exacerbating frictions. In October, a CCG vessel rammed and water-cannoned a Philippine fisheries bureau ship near Thitu Island. Earlier clashes involved collisions and aggressive maneuvers. The Philippines has bolstered its maritime presence through initiatives like the Kadiwa fishing program to support fishermen in disputed areas.
Analysts note that such confrontations raise risks of miscalculation, potentially drawing in allies like the U.S. under mutual defense treaties. Efforts toward an ASEAN-China Code of Conduct continue, but progress remains slow amid internal divisions and competing claims.
The South China Sea disputes involve not only territorial sovereignty but also resource rights, fishing grounds, and strategic control. The Philippines has increasingly aligned with partners like the U.S., Japan, and Australia for joint patrols and exercises to counter coercion.
As of December 15, 2025, no de-escalatory measures have been announced, with both sides maintaining patrols. The EU's call for restraint reflects broader international concerns over stability in this critical region.
