Beijing, Sept. 20 -- China's recent actions in the South China Sea, including water cannon attacks on Philippine vessels and the creation of a disputed nature reserve, are raising alarms among experts who say Beijing is attempting to legitimise its control over contested waters.

Analysts warn that these moves could undermine regional sovereignty, weaken international maritime law, and destabilise the Indo-Pacific, as reported by The Epoch Times.

According to The Epoch Times, Chinese coast guard ships targeted a Philippine vessel near the Scarborough Shoal with high-pressure water cannons. Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine coast guard, said in a LinkedIn post that the attack caused "significant damage" to the fishing vessel...