China's growing "coercive actions" against the Philippine vessels can be considered as "short of an armed attack" as it further escalates the tension in the West Philippine Sea, according to a ranking military official. 

In a television interview, Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos lamented that China is now acting more dangerously. 

"Well it's already escalating, sabi ko nga galing na 'yan sa (as I said, starting in) use of laser, and then nandito na nga tayo sa (this) water cannon, expect more coercive actions from China, short of armed attack so the next dun, after the water cannon is probably ramming. And also, they will attempt to board our vessel which is something that we will not allow them to do," Carlo said in an interview over CNN Philippines Wednesday night.

"All of these are short of an armed attack, because they know that it will trigger our mutual defense treaty with the United States," he added.

Carlos said they are preparing for China's possible attempt to board Philippine vessels.

"We prepare for everything, but like I said I will not discuss operational details. But we will not let that happen, that's for sure. We will not let that happen, we will not let them board our vessel when we are doing legitimate operations in our exclusive economic zone," he stressed. 

"We practice that, will repel boarders," he added.

China's actions are becoming increasingly serious in an attempt to block the country's rotation and re-provisioning missions in the WPS.

Carlos said they are assessing the escalation of China's actions against the Philippines.

"Right now, hindi nga ginagamit 'yung (they are not yet using) ramming, it's all bumping, gently colliding with each other and causing damage, but not intended to sink the other vessel," he said. 

Carlos explained that ramming happens when a vessel moves faster and intentionally causes a collision with another ship. 

"Ramming — that's an intent to incur severe damage on the other side, and possibly sink the vessel… We're brainstorming this, we are war-gaming this and we are prepared for any contingency that will happen on the ground," Carlos added.