Philippines condemns China's actions in South China Sea against fishing vessels

9/12/2023 18:44

        The Philippines condemned China's "illegal and aggressive actions" in the South China Sea on Saturday, saying its coast guard had fired water cannon at a Philippine fisheries bureau vessel conducting a regular resupply mission.
        
        The Philippine task force for the South China Sea, an inter-agency government body, called for China to stop its "aggressive activities" in the Scarborough Shoal, which is claimed by both countries.
        
        U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said in a post on the social media platform X that China's behaviour "violates international law and endangers lives and livelihoods."
        
        She said the U.S. stood by the Philippines in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
        
        State media reported, China said earlier that it took "control measures" against three Philippine fishing vessels that had intruded into waters near Scarborough Shoal.