The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs summoned a senior Chinese embassy official over the “harassment of Philippine vessels” in the South China Sea.
The incident involved the damaging of a Philippine Coast Guard vessel and a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources boat near the China-controlled Scarborough Shoal.
The Philippines protested the aggressive actions of China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels, including the use of water cannons, and demanded that Chinese vessels leave the area immediately.
This incident occurred during a mission to resupply Filipino fishermen. The Chinese embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This comes amid a history of territorial disputes between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea, with several recent collisions involving Philippine and Chinese vessels.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 3, 2024
