China Escalates Assertive Maneuvers, Fires Water Cannons at Philippines, US Renews Warnings

China has escalated its assertive manoeuvres in the West Philippine Sea, leading to confrontations with the Philippines. The Chinese coast guard fired water cannons at Filipino boats on resupply missions, with dozens of Chinese ships chasing and encircling Philippine vessels. The U.S. renewed warnings to defend its treaty ally, and the Philippines Coast Guard outmaneuvered Chinese ships in a lopsided match-up. The situation reflects broader contemporary international geopolitics and the competition among great powers in the South China Sea.