Manila has summoned Beijing’s ambassador a day after Chinese coastguards blocked and used water cannon on Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The Philippines on Saturday accused China’s coastguard of using water cannon to block its vessels carrying food, water, fuel and other supplies for its military personnel stationed at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands.
Manila condemned the actions as illegal, “excessive” and “dangerous”.
A senior Philippine official on Monday said Manila will “never abandon” the Second Thomas Shoal, which is about 200km (124 miles) from the Philippine island of Palawan and more than 1,000km from China’s nearest major landmass of Hainan island.
