The incidents occurred near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, where Filipino fishermen were seeking assistance.

This is the first time Chinese coast guard vessels have directly used water cannons against a Filipino vessel.

Philippine officials described the actions as a violation of international law and an escalation of tensions in the region.

China has used water cannons against Philippine supply vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.

The shoal, which is a valuable fishing area and close to major shipping lanes, is not under the sovereignty of any country but falls within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

Tensions between China and the Philippines over the shoal have led to numerous disputes.

The Philippine military official, Tarriela, stated that China's actions do not constitute an armed attack but have caused damage to their ships.

The Philippines has a defense treaty with the United States, and Washington has promised to defend its ally against armed attacks on Filipino military and public vessels in the South China Sea.

China's embassy in Manila stated that Scarborough Shoal, also known as Huangyan Dao, is Chinese territory.

The Philippines was urged to stop provocations and respect China's sovereignty.

China claims sovereignty over large areas of the South China Sea, which is a crucial shipping lane for over $3 trillion in annual commerce.

In 2016, an international tribunal ruled against China's expansive claim, a decision Beijing has rejected.