The incident was the two countries' latest run-in regarding the Scarborough shoal, a fishing ground within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone that China claims as its territory. "We urge the Philippines to immediately cease its violations,

While meeting Philippine foreign undersecretary Theresa Lazaro, Huang Xilian says China has 'indisputable sovereignty' over islands US State Department says it backs Manila and that Beijing's actions show 'reckless disregard' for international law and safety and livelihoods of Filipinos China's envoy to the Philippines lodged "strong protests" with Manila over multiple clashes in the South China Sea last week,

In the midst of increased tensions between the two nations in the disputed areas, Chinese coast guard ships attempted to stop two Philippine fishing vessels that were providing supplies to fishermen in the South China Sea by using water cannons.