Philippine civilians have embarked on a journey to Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, a area disputed and controlled by China, to deliver supplies to Philippine fishermen and assert their country's sovereignty. This action has been met with warning from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, which considers the shoal as its inherent territory. This incident follows a maritime incident where Chinese coast guard ships used water cannons against Philippine government vessels. The Philippine Coast Guard is providing security for the civilian flotilla and is being supported by three coast guard ships.