Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has officially lodged a diplomatic protest against China following a water cannon attack on a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel. The incident resulted in injuries to a Filipino crew member near Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, on September 16.

According to Philippines News Agency, the protest was filed on Thursday and has garnered international attention, with several countries expressing their solidarity with Manila. The incident has raised concerns about escalating tensions in the region. The United States, through its Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, condemned China's actions and applauded the BFAR personnel for their professional conduct in asserting the country's rights over the contested area.

Japan's Ambassador to the Philippines, Endo Kazuya, expressed grave concern over the incident and reiterated Japan's opposition to actions that increase regional tensions. Similarly, Canadian Ambassador David Hartman condemned China's aggressive behavior, urging all parties to respect the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award. He highlighted the dangerous implications of using water cannons, which resulted in harm to a civilian BFAR officer.

The British Embassy in Manila also criticized the incident, warning that such actions could lead to miscalculations, endanger lives at sea, and destabilize the region. The embassy urged adherence to international law, including UNCLOS, and emphasized the importance of dialogue and restraint to prevent further escalation.

Support for the Philippines was echoed by other nations, including New Zealand, the European Union, Australia, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, all of which voiced their concerns over the incident and called for the respect of freedom of navigation and international maritime laws.