The Philippines says China deliberately caused collisions between the two countries’ vessels in the South China Sea describing as a blatant violation of international law.
Philippine defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro stated that the latest action from China is provocative and aimed at heating up tension in the region, warning that his government will not be bossed around.
Earlier today, Manila summoned Beijing’s ambassador and filed a diplomatic protest after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos met with security officials and ordered the coastguard to investigate the incidents.
Meanwhile, China’s embassy in Manila also lodged a complaint with the Philippines after the collisions.
In one of the incidents, China’s coastguard said it was lawfully blocking the boat from transporting illegal construction materials to the warship while in another incident during the same resupply mission, it said a Philippine coastguard vessel’s port side was bumped by a Chinese maritime militia vessel.
In a statement by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, today, he urged the Philippines to take Beijing’s concerns seriously, stop dangerous manoeuvres and stop creating more tension in the region.
