It also protested China’s use of water cannon against three Bureau of Fisheries vessels on their way to send oil and groceries to fishermen near the Scarborough shoal.
The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The two neighbours traded accusations on Sunday, and the Philippines called China’s actions a “serious escalation”.
China’s foreign ministry protested over what it said was a collision on Sunday, but the Philippines said Chinese coastguard and maritime militia repeatedly fired water cannon at its resupply boats, causing “serious engine damage” to one, and “deliberately” ramming another.
The United States, the Philippines’ treaty ally, and the United Kingdom, both expressed support for the Philippines and condemned the actions of China, which claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than US$3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce.
The Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, have competing claims. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said China’s claims had no legal basis.
Source: CNA
