Beijing has accused Manila of organising a “premeditated” provocation and dangerous manoeuvres near a disputed reef in the South China Sea, and Washington of making false statements that have escalated tensions in the region.

Manila said Philippine fishing boats near Sabina Shoal had been targeted with water cannons by Chinese coastguard ships in an incident on Friday, while Beijing said Philippine personnel had threatened Chinese officers with knives.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Monday that the Philippines had assembled a large number of vessels “in an organised and premeditated manner to provoke trouble” in waters near the shoal.

[SCMP] China accuses Philippines of ‘premeditated’ provocations near Sabina Shoal (archived)

Related:

[AA is Turkish Media] China says US should not interfere in South China Sea maritime affairs

[Global Times] Philippine personnel threatened CCG officers with knives: Chinese FM on US claims regarding Chinese measures against Philippines’ provocation at Xianbin Jiao

[Global Times] US urged to stop interfering in South China Sea issues as Philippine personnel threaten CCG officers with knives at Xianbin Jiao: FM

Previously:

Filipino fishermen injured in China Coast Guard encounter

The August 11 SCS Incident & US-Backed Fisherfolk Collectives in the Philippines

Updated: The War of Ideas in the Indo-Pacific

What’s Really Going On In the South China Sea Between the Philippines and China