So it did happen. A Chinese coast guard vessel did use its water cannon to ward off Filipino fishermen from Scarborough Shoal. This was disclosed last Monday by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista. When asked to explain, the Chinese authorities feigned ignorance of the incident. But as more and more proof came out that it did happen, they took a much different stand.
Chinese coast guard and surveillance vessels have been patrolling the waters off Scarborough Shoal for some time. Ever since that standoff we had with them in March of 2012, China has asserted its absolute claim on the shoal. But in past occasions, they simply blocked the paths of the fishing boats. This time, they escalated it. According to Chinese officials, the Filipino fishermen were to blame for the incident. The fishermen apparently provoked them into using the water cannons, after exhibiting "aggressive posturing". The Chinese even went as far as saying they had to exercise restraint in dealing with the fishermen, which is why they used the water cannons that according to them, did not hurt anyone or pose any danger to their boats. I'd like them to be at the receiving end of a water cannon before they say something as asinine as that. Furthermore, since they are part of Chinese territory, they can do anything to defend it. For the Chinese, the disputes raised by other countries including The Philippines are unacceptable. They own the ocean, period.
This is becoming dangerous. If acerbic words were used before, it has apparently been elevated into action. The statement of them exercising restraint is just like saying they could have fired and killed the fishermen for entering their territory without permission. China has imposed several rules regarding entering what they claim is their land. It seems they are now enforcing them.
This incident has made our request for UN arbitration regarding the disputed islands more imperative. A decision has to be made regarding the said islands, and China's most recent actions addressed. China is a signatory to UNCLOS, but apparently a signature is all it is. They do not recognize it, and is bullying anyone who questions them. Such is the arrogance of wealth and military might. The world must protest, as we have, to these recent actions of China. It is one thing to rattle your saber. It is another thing to wield it, even if it is just made out of water.