MANILA, Dec 12 — The Philippines' Foreign Ministry said today that it has summoned China's ambassador to Manila to protest "back-to-back harassments" in the South China Sea at the weekend.
Manila has asked China to direct its vessels to cease and desist from what it said were illegal actions and dangerous manoeuvres against Philippine vessels and stop interfering in legitimate Philippine activities, said the ministry in a statement.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro verbally delivered the protest against the Chinese manoeuvres that led to a collision and against the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels which were sending supplies to troops stationed in an ageing warship at the Second Thomas Shoal.
"The actions of the Chinese vessels within the Philippine exclusive economic zone are illegal and violate the freedom of navigation," the ministry said.
It also protested China's use of water cannons against three Fisheries Bureau 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.
— Reuters
