Jake Kwon and Heather Chen, CNN<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Philippines has accused Chinese Coast Guard ships of firing water cannons and making \u201cdangerous maneuvers\u201d at its ships in the South China Sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) strongly condemns the China Coast Guard\u2019s (CCG) dangerous maneuvers and illegal use of water cannons against PCG vessels,\u201d the PCG wrote in a statement shared on its official Facebook account Saturday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PCG vessels were escorting ships carrying supplies to military troops stationed in Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, in the Spratly Islands chain, known in China as the Nansha Islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
China calls the shoal Renai Reef.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a response issued on Sunday, China accused the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) of trespassing in its waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTwo Filipino supply vessels and two coast guard vessels illegally intruded into the waters adjacent to Renai Reef in China\u2019s Nansha Islands,\u201d Gan Yu, spokesman for the China Coast Guard, said according to the statement published on its website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cChina coast guard implemented the necessary controls in accordance with the law and prevented the Philippine vessels carrying the illegal construction materials. We urge the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringing activities in that maritime area,\u201d Gan Yu said according to the statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gan Yu reasserted Chinese territorial claim on the islands and the South China Sea, vowing to continue its law-enforcement activity within the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The US State Department, meanwhile, voiced its support for the Philippines and called on China to respect the freedom of navigation. \u201c(China) has no lawful claim to the maritime area around Second Thomas Shoal,\u201d it said in a statement published on Saturday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n