The China Coast Guard (CCG) on Sunday claimed that its crew used water cannons to prevent the Philippine vessels from “illegally” entering and doing “illegal activities” in the waters adjacent to Ren'ai Reef, or also known as Ayungin shoal.

In a statement, CCG spokesman Gan Yu claimed that two Philippine vessels and two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships “illegally broke out” on the premises without the Chinese government’s authorized approval on Saturday.

“The Chinese coast guard conducted necessary control in accordance with the law and prevented the Philippine ships carrying "illegal construction materials”,” he added.

Yu urged the country to immediately halt “its infringing activities” in Ren’ai Reef as he stressed that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters.

The PCG first reported that a CCG vessel illegally blasted water cannons on its crew while they were en route to Ayungin Shoal to deliver food, water, fuel, and other supplies to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) troops who are stationed on BRP Sierra Madre.

Following the report, some counties came forward to denounce CCG’s acts and declared that they stand with the Philippines.

Several Senators also slammed China’s coast guard use of water cannons to block a Philippine vessel.