The Philippines Protests China’s Aggressive Actions

The Philippines summoned the Chinese Embassy diplomat to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to protest against China’s coast guard vessels spraying water at Filipino ships in the South China Sea. In a statement by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, it was emphasized that China’s aggressive actions have caused damage to Philippine ships, and China was requested to immediately leave the region.

China’s Intervention with Filipino Ships

On Tuesday, Chinese Coast Guard teams sprayed water at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel in the South China Sea, resulting in damage to the ships. The Philippines accused China of escalating tensions in the region. The Chinese Embassy in Manila stated that the incident occurred in Scarborough Shoal, which is claimed to be in the Chinese region, and called on the Philippines to stop violations and provocations.

Scarborough Shoal Dispute

The Philippines claims that Scarborough Shoal is within its exclusive economic zone, while China asserts that the shoal is under its sovereignty. This situation has been causing a long-standing sovereignty dispute and tension between the two countries.