Krishnamoorthi Condemns Chinese Coast Guard for Water-Cannoning and Damaging Philippine Fishing Vessels at Sabina Shoal

WASHINGTON— Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, issued the following statement in response to reports that ships from the China Coast Guard water-cannoned and cut the anchors of Philippine fishermen operating around Sabina Shoal in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. 

“I condemn the Chinese Communist Party’s vicious attack on Philippine fishermen, which caused injuries, damaged property, and undermined the Philippines’ sovereign maritime rights. While the CCP’s longstanding aggression against Philippine government vessels is unacceptable and illegal, last week’s attack marks a dangerous escalation—extending this aggression to civilian fishermen operating in the Philippines’ sovereign fishing grounds. It also represents the first known instance of the China Coast Guard using water cannons at close range against fishermen. The United States stands hand in hand with our ally, the Philippines, against the CCP’s unlawful and dangerous actions.”