South China Sea: Philippines summons Chinese diplomat over ‘unacceptable, aggressive’ actions by coastguard

The Philippines on Monday (Mar 25) summoned the Charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy in the country and registered strong protest over ‘aggressive actions’ by the Chinese coastguard in the South China Sea.

The Philippine foreign ministry also directed its mission in Beijing to lodge a complaint with the Chinese foreign ministry. The ministry added the Chinese coastguard has no right to be in the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

It added that China’s move to interfere with the Philippines' routine resupply mission there last week was "unacceptable".

Open challenge by Filipino defence minister

Earlier, the country’s defence minister Gilberto Teodoro openly challenged China to take the matter of its ‘sovereignty’ in the South China Sea to international arbitration, while declaring that Manila won’t budge from its position.

"If China is not afraid to state its claims to the world, then why don't we arbitrate under international law?," said Gilberto while talking to reporters.

The latest dispute between Philippines and China

The latest flare-up occurred after a vessel of the Chinese coastguard blasted a Filipino civilian boat with water cannon that was en route to the Second Thomas Shoal.

The supply boat was significantly damaged in the incident, while the crew also sustained injuries.

China said the action it took against the supply boat was “necessary”. China's defence ministry on Sunday told the Philippines to cease "provocative actions" and comments that may lead to conflict and escalation.

Also read: Video: Chinese action causes near collision of a Philippine civilian vessel

The Philippines’ national security adviser held a high-level meeting on Monday to discuss the future course of action and to put recommendations to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

China claims the South China Sea in its entirety to be its territory, and believes the Second Thomas Shoal, which lies in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), lies under its control.

Watch: South China Sea: China's coast guard ship blast water on Philippines supply boat

To further its claims, not supported by any other nation in the world, the Chinese coastguard has deployed several patrol vessels in the area.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 had made it clear that China’s vast claim had no basis under international law.

(With inputs from agencies)